Dwayne K. McNeely

Dwayne K McNeely, 84, passed away on November 19, 2024, after a long and fulfilled life.

Also known as “Taco”, “Sweet and Loveable”, “Trouble”, and other unmentionable nicknames bestowed by his family, Dwayne was born to Arlie Augustus McNeely and Goldie Fay Gray McNeely on June 17, 1940.

He shared his childhood home with his brothers Douglas and Gainerd, and his sister Carla, causing a healthy heaping of trouble for the town of Tahoka, Texas.

Dwayne left high school his sophomore year to work the family farm, and later joined the United States Army in 1959 and served as a medic stationed in Germany before leaving the service and was recalled in 1962.

When he arrived home the first time, he met his wife Shirley JoAnn while racing cars, this high-speed meeting set the tone for their no-brakes, all throttle relationship. They were married in September of 1961, at the ages of 21 and 20.

Dwayne worked as a lineman for Lyntegar Electric for 40 years, providing electricity in dangerous weather conditions and at all times of day.

Outside of his work, Dwayne enjoyed his hobbies like woodworking and his time as a softball player and driving his jeep.

After retirement, Dwayne spent many of his afternoons at the restaurant formerly known as George’s with his group of cohorts called the “Think Tank”, who claimed to solve the world’s problems over a cup of coffee. But more than anything else, he loved spending time with his family.

From making rubber band guns for his grandchildren, adopted or not, to playing pranks on his daughters, Dwayne loved nothing more than his family and his community.

His wit and sense of humor made Dwayne many friendships which continued throughout his entire life. A man loved by his community is one that loves him back.

Dwayne leaves behind many broken hearts as well as jokes to tell, and many, many cautionary tales.

A visitation will be held Friday, November 22, at Combest Funeral Homes in Tahoka, Texas from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at Sweet Street Baptist Church on Thursday, November 23, at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Lynnwood Assisted Living as thanks for their attentive care of Dwayne in his final years.

Dwayne’s family also wanted to thank UMC Hospice Care of Lubbock for their help as Dwayne passed from this life to the next.

Dwayne is survived by his two daughters; Melanie and her husband Brad Haefli of Arlington, Monica and her husband Ryan Gass of O’Donnell, four grandsons; Neil, Spencer, and Daniel Haefli; granddaughter Taylor Gass; sister Carla and her husband Rusty Pickens, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife JoAnn, his parents, and brothers Douglas and Gainerd.