Las Vegas, NV - Colonel Neal Edinger Lesher lived a long and good life — but not long enough for the friends who shared life with him, the family who loved him deeply, the Las Vegas community he faithfully and sacrificially served, or the country to which he dedicated his life.

Neal was born April 3rd 1935 and raised, along with his older brother Dana, in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, just across the Delaware River from Easton, Pennsylvania. His parents were hardworking and deeply committed to their community and to raising their two boys. Neal shared endless stories from those early years — his first jobs, swimming in the Delaware, fishing, golfing, tangling with his brother, playing catcher on his school baseball team, and building a second home with his father, brother, and uncle on the shores of Mountain Lake.

Neal participated in ROTC while studying and wrestling at Rutgers University. He achieved remarkable success in his weight class, a fact he credited largely to his Rutgers coach, an Olympic wrestler. Neal rose to the highest levels of competition in New Jersey, ultimately becoming a State Champion.

After graduating, Neal entered the career that would define his life, shape his worldview, and reflect his deep commitment to service. In the mid-1950s, he began his long tenure in the United States Air Force. Around that same time, he met Kathaleen Jane Darling on a blind date. Kay was a woman of rare beauty, quick wit, and a tender heart. They embraced the life typical of military families: moving, settling in, and moving again. Their journey took them through Maine, New Hampshire, Nebraska, California, and ultimately Nevada.

Neal served as a navigator with Strategic Air Command and later as a lead programmer for the SR-71 Blackbird—still holding records as the fastest air-breathing, manned aircraft (2,193 mph) and for altitude attained (85,069 feet). On its final official flight, the SR-71 flew from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles in just over an hour, averaging 2,124 mph. Neal also served in key roles at Nellis Air Force Base and the ranges. After retiring with the rank of Colonel, he continued serving as a civilian contractor with EG&G (Edgerton, Germeshausen, and Grier, Inc.), supporting active-duty personnel at Nellis.

Neal and Kay, and one other couple, founded, fundraised for, and invested deeply in Candlelighters of Las Vegas, an organization dedicated to supporting families whose children face the dread of cancer. That remarkable organization is now approaching its 50th year.

They also founded the Nevada Technology Center, serving individuals with special needs (which later merged with other organizations). Life took Neal and Kay down paths they had not anticipated, one being the diagnosis of Leukemia for their youngest daughter, Dana. They walked those roads with courage and grace. As a lasting legacy, they established Dana's Place at Green Valley Presbyterian Church—a welcoming, kid-friendly gathering space and library.

Above all, Neal and Kay poured their love into their daughters, Kathaleen, Suzanne and Dana, sons-in-law, four grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren. They spent real, intentional time with each one—playing, laughing, engaging in competitive (and spirited) card and board games, taking family vacations and beach trips, fishing and golfing, attending sporting and arts events, spoiling each grandchild, and enjoying Disney adventures. They instilled a love for country, hard work, community service, learning, generosity, and compassion for others.

Neal and Kay settled in Las Vegas more than 50 years ago and formed deep friendships across the valley. They became known for their tenacious advocacy for the hurting—especially children and young adults facing medical challenges and cancer treatments. While Neal continued his work at and around Nellis, Kay, along with their daughter Dana, started a craft business called The Honey Pot. Christian faith and church became an important part of their life. Neal also filled his spare time with his close friends known as "The Posse," golfing twice a week with fierce competitiveness and little mercy. Many of the same group also shared fly-fishing adventures, where competition was just as intense.

After Kay's passing in 2018, Neal pressed on — at a slower pace but with the same devotion to family, friends, service, and country. A patriot to the end, he continued to give where he could. In recent years, he had the companionship, care, and affection of his girlfriend, Sieonnie. His family is grateful for the care and support she gave him.

In his final weeks, as the cancer he fought for decades became aggressive, Neal's extraordinary strength finally gave way. Right to the end he was surrounded by the love of his two surviving daughters, his family, and Sieonnie.

Our prayer is that Neal is now in the presence of God — celebrating with Kay, the love of his life; with his daughter Dana; and with a host of friends and family who have gone before him.

No services have been arranged at this time. Donations in honor of Neal and Kathaleen Lesher may be made, in their daughter Dana's name, to Candlelighters of Las Vegas.