Paul Neil, 88, of Columbus, Nebraska, formerly of Cozad, Nebraska, died Friday, January 3, 2025, at his home at Meridian Gardens in Columbus.

There will be no public service or visitation.  Memorials and cards can be sent to Mark Neil, 280 S 4th Ave, Columbus, Nebraska, 68601.  Memorials are suggested to the Columbus Community Hospital Parkinson Wellness Program or the Parkinson Voice Project.

Paul was born on October 18, 1936, in Lexington, Nebraska to Lloyd and MaryAnn (Weaver) Neil.  He graduated from Lexington High School and attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado for two years.

Paul served in the National Guard for a couple of years and on December 22, 1957, was united in marriage to Carol Hartman in Cozad, Nebraska.  The couple settled on the family farm in the Lexington/Cozad area where Paul farmed and raised hogs.  He served on the Dawson County Public Power Board from 1973 – 2021, holding several positions over the years.  Paul also served as a board member of the Nebraska Rural Electric Association (NREA) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).  Paul and Carol moved to Columbus in January 2019 to be closer to family and for health reasons.

Paul and Carol moved into Meridian Gardens where they both resided until their deaths.  Paul was a health enthusiast and enjoyed going for bike rides in the Colorado Mountains near the family cabin or going to the Columbus Y, which he did almost every day.  Paul suffered from Parkinson's Disease and for five years participated in the Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson's program through the Columbus Y.

Paul enjoyed going to Wendy's for a chocolate Frosty and was known for his statement – "There are only two colors, red and ugly."  So, if you would like to honor Paul, wear red, and go to Wendy's and get a chocolate Frosty.

Paul is survived by:
Son – Mark (Julie) Neil of Columbus, NE
Daughter – Terri Cully of Omaha, NE
Son – Scott (Diedra) Neil of Kansas City, KS
Six Grandchildren
Sister-in-law – Marla Bouton of Kearney, NE
Brother-in-law - Darrel Hartman of Cozad, NE
Special Cousin – Cindy Gess of Lewisville, TX

Paul was preceded in death by:
Parents – Lloyd and MaryAnn Neil
Wife – Carol Neil
Brothers – Roy and Roger Neil