John "Jack" Neer

OBITUARY FOR JOHN FORRREST JACK NEER John Forrest Jack Neer, 73, of Urbana, died at 6:40 A.M. Thursday, November 27, 2014 in Springfield Regional Medical Center. He was born November 24, 1941 in Urbana, a son of Walter A. and Esther (Botkin) Neer. Jack, a 1960 Urbana High School graduate and lifelong member of the Urbana United Methodist Church, was a former owner of Ethels Flower Shop for 12 years, worked in the floral department at Wal-Mart for 10 years and was a part time employee of Botkins Flowers and Greenhouse, which his grandfather started in 1900. He was also an employee of Fox River Paper Howard Division for over 40 years. He was a former member of the Urbana Optimist Club, Urbana Kiwanis Club, Champaign Historical Society, Florists Transworld Delivery Association and was a supporter of P.A.W.S., Urbana University, Y.M.C.A. Lawnview and CRSI. He was a care giver for many and he enjoyed catering for many friends and volunteering his time. Jack loved spending time with his family and his little dog Candi. Jack will be missed by many as he did a lot of good for many friends. Survivors include nieces, Judie (Tom) OBrien of St. Paris, Julie (Pat) Flanigan of Westville, Betty Jo(Keith) Smith of Urbana, Linda (Charles) Stekervetz of Conestoga, PA, Debbie (James) Mason of Bellefontaine; nephews Roger (Kathy) Faulkner of Alphraretta, GA, Ron (Karen) Faulkner of Urbana; and a number of great nieces and great nephews and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Jesse and Ella (Kramer) Botkin, John A. and Anna (Happersett) Neer; sister and brother-in-law Harriett and Elden Faulkner; brother and sister-in-law Robert and Betty Neer; aunt Mildred Botkin and special aunt Ethel Redding and numerous cousins. The family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00 P.M. on Monday December 1, 2014 in the WALTER & SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Urbana where the funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 2, 2014 with Rev. Wayne Botkin officiating. . Burial will follow in Oak Dale Cemetery, Urbana. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.walterfunerals.com