Walter Hutton Neel

Walter Hutton Neel passed away Thursday, September 1st, 2022 at the age of 70, after being in a motor vehicle accident.

Walt was born January 10th, 1952 in Steamboat Springs, CO to William “Bill” Hutton Neel and Jeanette Marie Hussey. Walt was the oldest of five children. The family grew up on a ranch in Davis, CA. After graduating high school, Walt went on to attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. While attending Cal Poly, Walt served as a Student Fireman, Colt Class Instructor and Horse Husbandry Lab Instructor. He graduated from the Cal Poly Horseshoeing School in 1972. In 1975, Walt completed his undergraduate study earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science.

After college, Walt went on to work as a Horse Trainer, Buckaroo and Farrier for ranches in Nevada and Idaho before moving to Springville, CA to work for the Montgomery Ranch. In 1982, Walt became a Certified Journeyman Farrier with the American Farriers Association and practiced the craft of horseshoeing for over 4 decades. Early in his career, Walt worked as an Instructor at the Porterville Horseshoeing School where he helped young aspiring farriers develop the skills of the trade. Walt owned his own shoeing business and worked throughout Tulare, Kern and Kings counties. He spent a lot of time shoeing up at the Cedar Grove Pack Station, where he became great friends with the Loverin family. Walt also worked for Mike Deleonardo’s shoeing company based in Salinas, CA. Throughout his career, Walt never stopped improving upon his shoeing knowledge and techniques. He frequently attended AFA and WSFA shoeing conventions throughout the United States. Although he stopped working as a shoeing instructor in the 80’s, Walt never stopped sharing his knowledge with young farriers.

In 1982, Walt married Pamela Gray. Together they raised two children, Amanda Jo Neel and William Hutton Neel. In June, Walt and Pam had celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

Walt made friends everywhere he went. He belonged to several fraternal organizations including the Porterville Elks Lodge and Eagles Lodge. Walt was invited to the annual Vaqueros de los Rancheros Ride located in Northern Santa Barbara County. He attended the ride as a dignified guest of Nipomo Camp. He was also a member of Ducks Unlimited and Life Member of the National Rifle Association.

Walt had a passion for animals, the outdoors and conservation. He was an avid hunter and belonged to Rancho Visalia Hunting Club. Walt enjoyed spending time up at the family cabin in Camp Nelson and was a beloved member of the mountain community. He enjoyed cooking homemade meals over a fire in his Dutch oven. Walt loved nothing more than sharing a good laugh around a campfire with his close friends and family.

All that knew Walt will forever miss his laugh, his smile, and most of all, his company. He was one of a kind. He was a genuine, kind-hearted man who put the needs of others before himself. He would often go out of his way to help a friend in need. One could not ask for a better friend, father, brother, or husband. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and all that knew him.

Walt is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Jan; and stepdaughter Jessica Lynn Bishop.

Walt is survived by his wife, Pam; his children, Amanda and Will; his siblings, Barbara (Mike) Taylor, Marilyn (Lee) Hunter, Tom Neel and Nancy (Mickey) Garton; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and his dog Reba.

A grave side service will be held at 9:00 AM Monday, October 17th at Hillcrest Cemetery immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at the Veterans Memorial Building. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Walt’s name to the American Wounded Warrior’s Project, St. Jude’s Children’s Research hospital, the Camp Nelson Fire Department, or Camp Nelson Ambulance.

Arrangements are being handled by Myers Funeral Service. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.myersfuneral.com