Rusty Neef

Rusty Neef, 88, of Pampa, died March 4, 2016, in Amarillo. Services will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at Central Baptist Church, with Rev. Norman Rushing, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery with Masonic graveside rites courtesy of Top O' Texas Masonic Lodge #1381 AF & AM. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Rusty was born February 10, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to George Herman and Irene Katherine Neef. He has lived in Pampa all of his life, graduating from Pampa High School in 1946. Rusty was a United States Army veteran, earning the rank of sergeant and served one tour of duty in Japan. Rusty later graduated from Texas Tech in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum geology. Rusty married Berdena Godwin April 9, 1952, in Westcliffe, Colorado; she preceded him in death on September 26, 2015. Rusty owned and operated Neef Welding Works for over forty years. He was a member of Central Baptist Church, Top ‘O Texas Masonic Lodge #1381 where he was a 32nd degree Mason and past Master and received his 50 year pin in 2013. He also was a member of Khiva Shrine Temple in Amarillo. Mr. Neef was a member of the City of Pampa Parks and Recreation Board and The Pampa Area Foundation for Outdoor Art. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family. Rusty loved making the metal sculptures that are seen around town, and he was also involved in the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center. Survivors include a daughter, Misty Renegar of Amarillo; a son, Dusty Neef and wife Bonnie of Humble; a sister, Judy Mastin of Albuquerque, New Mexico; two brothers, George Neef, Jr. of Winnsboro, and Jerry Neef and his wife Stacy of Bastrop; 3 grandchildren, Brinton Renegar of Amarillo, Tiffani Neef-Crook and her spouse Dondie of Austin, and Dustin Neef also of Austin; and three great grandchildren, Sofia, Kendon, and Amos. Family suggests memorials be to Central Baptist Church, 513 E. Frances, Pampa,Texas 79065.