Claud Ray Neely, born July 22, 1938 in Delight, Arkansas, was sent to his eternal home on Wednesday May 7, 2025 in Reno, NV. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and was the nicest guy you ever met (you just had to ask him).

Claud was only 10 years old when his parents moved both him and his brother C.T. to Susanville where he remained a Lassen County resident for the remainder of his life. After graduating from Lassen High in 1957, he would meet the love of his life Jo DeWitt, and they would wed on September 24th, 1959 and go on to have three children: Tom, Darin and Keri.

Claud was never good at keeping still so it only made sense that he would not only be a jack of all trades. He would go on to work in some of the busiest roles he could think of. He was a Firefighter at Sierra Army Depot for over 24 years and also volunteered with Susanville City Fire Department and Susan River Fire Department along with the many other jobs like Sears, Classy Builders, installed cable, and a stint at the sheriff’s department. He served as Little League President where he actively contributed to the building of the snack bar, and the major league field. He was appointed to the Lassen County Fair board in 1978 and served as board president several times over those years. He was one of the Fair Managers beginning in 1998 and carried out many changes for the fairgrounds. A force to be reckoned with was an understatement.

Some of his greatest joys came from his children and grandchildren. They created many memories while enjoying road trips back home to Arkansas or holiday weekends up at Eagle Lake fishing and camping or simply watching John Wayne from the comforts of his recliner. Claud also was active in his community by supporting local organizations such as 4H, FFA, and Cub Scouts. You could also find him in the mornings with his coffee cronies at McDonalds talking about all the latest gossip. Thank you, Alexa (Victoria), for putting up with him.

Claud was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Josephine; brother C.T. and nephew Bill. He is survived and missed by his wife Jo of 66 years; and his children, Tom (Becky) Neely, Darin (Yvette) Neely and Keri Alward. Forever cherished and remembered by his grandchildren Clinton, Derek (Callie), Angelique, Kyle (Caprina), Kayla, Kimberly, Nathan, and William (Hannah); along with his 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services for Claud will be Saturday June 21st at 11am at Assembly of God in the gymnasium. Reception will follow post service. “Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It’s perfect when it arrives, and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we’ve learned something from yesterday.”- John Wayne.