Dedicated to serving his country and community, Earl Dempsey Neal of Irving, TX passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at his home. Born April 22, 1925 in Scurry County, Texas to A.D. Neal and Ethel M. Butler, Earl was raised by his mother and step-father, Charlie W. Thompson, in the community of Eddy near Waco, Texas. A 1942 graduate of Lorena High School, he enlisted in United States Marine Corps at the age of 18 and was assigned to serve in Okinawa from 1944 to 1946 during World War II. In 1947, he began his twenty-year career with the United States Army, serving as a Military Policeman in Korea and Japan. He later transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division and served in Okinawa and Hong Kong during the Vietnam War. After retiring from the Army in 1967, he was recruited by Dallas Sheriff, Bill Decker and proudly served as a Dallas County Deputy until his retirement in 1987. Earl is survived by his devoted wife, Ruth Blackwolf Hogan; three sons, David and his companion, Elizabeth Rhone, Charles and wife, Billie Rowe Neal, Curtis and wife, Rhidonah Ladner-Neal. A daughter-in-law, Mary Vecerra Neal; stepson, Donnie Hogan; stepdaughter, Diane Hogan Bankston. He is also survived by grandchildren, Kimberly Neal Scott, William Neal, Melanie Neal, Daniel Neal, Corey Neal, and Taylor Neal. Stepgrandchildren include, Janelle Hogan Foster, Jennifer Hogan Lusk, Derrick Bankston and Burk Ladner Jones; 7 great-grandchildren; 5 stepgreat-grandchildren. He is also survived by half brother, Ernest Thompson, half sisters, Lucille Thompson Grossman, Louise Thompson Payne, and Dorothy Thompson Troutman, special nephew and nieces, Sonny, Corrine, Alice, Wanda and the late Debbie and Virginia. Preceding him in death are his wife of 54 years, Mary Helen Ashcraft, his mother, father, stepfather, and brother, Dale Neal; stepbrother, Jake Buddy Thompson; stepsister Mildred Thompson Palmer; son, Robert Neal and a stepson, Steve Hogan. The family will receive friends 6:00 9:00 p.m. Wednesday at Donnellys Colonial Funeral Home, 606 West Airport Freeway. A graveside funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens, 1413 E. Irving Blvd. Irving, Texas. Chaplain Mike Schillings of Bluebonnet Hospice will officiate.