John Neill, age 98, of West Point, Illinois, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois.

He was born on July 19, 1927, in Keokuk, Iowa, to William and Elizabeth (Symmonds) Neill. He attended Stillwell Grade School, West Point High School and graduated from Bowen High School in 1945. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II.

John married the love of his life, Geraldine Caley, on December 28, 1949, in Carthage, Illinois. They shared 76 wonderful years together, building a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

John was a lifelong farmer and mechanic who could make almost anything run. He worked with cattle and livestock. He owned and operated his own bulldozer service and was always staying busy and caring for the land that took care of him and his family. He was an environmentalist at heart who believed in taking proper care of the land. He also enjoyed turkey and deer hunting.

He was a member of Sutter Salem Bible Church in Sutter, Illinois. John was a proud member of the Bear Creek American Legion Post #823.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine; his children, Richard (Donna) Neill of Warsaw, Illinois, Gerald (Barbara) Neill of Taylor, Texas, Christine (Robin) Robbins of Weatherby Lake, Missouri, Carol Shoopman of Quincy, Illinois, Eldon (Holly) Neill of Camden, Ohio, and; daughter-in-law, Peggy Neill Zumwalt of Columbia, Missouri; 16 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, James Neill; his granddaughter, Shawna Neill Marzahl; and his great grandson, Alexander Neill.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 1, 2026, at 12:00 noon at J. Otto Funeral Home in Mendon, Illinois, with Rev. Tom Robbins officiating. Burial will follow at New Loraine Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Naval Funeral Honors Detail and Bear Creek American Legion Post #823.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until noon on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Faith Baptist Church in Camp Point and Loraine Community Church.