Merlin Neadow

SSgt. Merlin Lee Neadow Sr. died at the age of 75, on August 11, 2016, in New Port Richey, FL. He passed away after a lengthy battle with heart disease and a short stay in Hospice Care. An Army Veteran, he served 3 tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart. SSgt. Neadow was born on June 26, 1941 in Oklahoma City, OK. In 1959, he joined the US Army. He served in several different commands/units during his military career. A few of those are as follows: H Troop, 2nd Recon Squadron, 11th Armored Cav, 7th unit in Germany; during his three tours in Vietnam, as a door gunner, he was assigned to the 170th Aviation (Assault Helicopter) Company, “C” Troop of the 7/17th Air Cav and the 238th Gunship. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal in May of 1973 for heroism in Vietnam on March 29th, 1969. In 1972 he received the Soldier’s Medal for heroism in Vietnam on September 9th 1969. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. SSgt. Neadow was a brave and loyal soldier, as well as a loving husband and father. He married Linda Lee Neadow, March 5th, 1965, in Baltimore Maryland. After his discharge from the Army in 1970, he worked for a few years as a Lineman for the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company. After leaving the electric company he joined the Maryland police force and served as a police officer with the University of Maryland for approximately 6 years. After being injured in the line of duty he relocated to New Port Richey, FL. He is survived by his wife Linda; his sons Stephan L. Neadow and Merlin Lee Neadow Jr., his 5 grandchildren – Wesley, Jessica, Benjamin, Joshua and Brittany, his 3 great grandchildren – Breonna, Roman and Lincoln, and his brother – Melvin J. Neadow. He is preceded in death by his father, Lee and his mother, Patricia. A small private service will take place, Graveside side, at Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens in New Port Richey on August 19th, where he will be interred next to his mother. In lieu of flowers, SSgt. Neadow has requested that donations be made to HPH Hospice or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).