Robert Neal Ledbetter (aka Neal to his family and Bob to many in the business world) was born to AC and Nona Ledbetter on November 1, 1934 in Wright City, Oklahoma. He entered Heaven, his eternal home on August 28, 2023 at the age of 88, having spent the last hours of his life surrounded by his wife, children, and close family friends. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as siblings, Max, Catherine, Cheryl, Betty, and June.
As an infant Neal’s family moved to Cimarron, New Mexico where he was raised. In June, 1952 he graduated from Cimarron High School. Shortly after graduation he entered the AirForce where he proudly served his Country for a full four-year term. During his service he learned the plumbing trade. Upon entering civilian life, he used his learned trade becoming an apprentice plumber for Chadbourne Plumbing Company in San Francisco, California. With hard work and determination, he eventually became a journeyman plumber.
In 1958 at a Church Camp Meeting he met Betty Lavonne Griffin whom he married on February 22, 1959 and remained married until his death. Together they raised three children to whom he was a very loving and caring Father. Donna Ledbetter Hill (Kelly), David Ledbetter, and Diane Ledbetter Snuszka (Stan). In the early 1960’s he felt called by God to enter pastoral ministry. He along with his wife Betty pastored many churches in California, Nevada and Oklahoma with many lives changed because of his passion for sharing Christ with all who came into his circle of influence. Through those years he kept his plumbing skills current to help financially support his family. In 1979 he started Ledbetter Plumbing Company in Newark, California. In 2000, he and Betty made the decision to retire and move to Redmond, Oregon where they lived until 2013 moving to Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
He loved God and the Bible with every fiber of his being. Even upon death he still passionately quoted scripture from memory. He loved his wife Betty as well as always referring to how much he loved and was proud of his children. He expressed greatly how thrilled he was to be called “Papa” to his grandchildren Daniel Hill (Samantha), Stephen Hill, Clayton Hill, Josh Snuszka, Nik Snuszka, Anastasia Snuszka (Kurt) and Max Snuszka (Ashley). He was overjoyed when in 2022 and 2023 he was given the news that his family was growing with the arrival of great-grandchildren Tanner, Hudson, Parker, Vera, and Chase. As well, he had a great respect and love for the outdoors. The mountains and rivers always called his name where he enjoyed both Fly Fishing and Hunting.
He left behind on this earth a loving legacy. A great man whose words will be remembered with love and inspiration. We look forward to when we will see him again in Heaven on that grand and glorious day.
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