Neal McCullough, 79, of Richmond died Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at his home in Richmond surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Neal was born to Blanche (Massey) McCullough and Fred McCullough on September 3, 1938 in Glasgow, Montana.  This was during the time his father was working for the Civilian Conservation Corps building the Fort Peck Dam in northeastern Montana.  Neal's father then served in the Navy fleet deployed to the Pacific during World War II.  During that time Neal and his mother stayed with relatives in Richmond.  After the war the young family moved to Blue Mound in Livingston County, but when Neal was seven the family moved to Richmond.

Neal attended school in Richmond graduating with honors in 1957.  He graduated from the University of Missouri where he also received a Masters in Economics in 1961.  Neal married Joe Ann Mansell of Lexington, Missouri and they had a son, Jeffery Joseph McCullough who lives in Florida.  Later that marriage dissolved.

Neal moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked for the Census Bureau.  He then worked for the Internal Revenue Service out of the Kansas City office.  He was promoted to the agent in charge of large case investigations and worked for 31 years investigating and prosecuting corporate tax fraud.  Neal was one of two agents nationwide who was chosen to go to Vietnam in 1971 to investigate the huge black market economy which had developed as a result of the war.

Neal was a Mason serving in all chairs including Grand Master.  He also served as treasurer of the Richmond Shrine Club for several years.

On Valentine's Day 2000, Neal married Lynn Farris Carter who survives of the home.  In addition to Neal's son, Jeffrey Joseph McCullough, Neal also leaves three step children, Jamie (Jimmy) Hall, Ohio, Jason (Marcie Carter of Ozark, Mo and Jill Hinchey, Kearney, Mo.  Neal also is survived by nine step grandchildren and one step great granddaughter.  Neal was preceded in death by his parents and one step daughter, Julie Lynn Messick.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Boy Scouts or the Humane Society.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2018 with funeral services to begin at 2:00 p.m. at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.  Prior to visitation at 12:45 p.m. a Masonic Service will be held.  Burial will follow services on Saturday at Blue Mound Cemetery, south of Chillicothe, Mo.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.