Steven Ray Neal

Funeral services for Steven Ray “Steve” Neal, 53, of Lufkin will be held Monday, December 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Fielder Memorial Cemetery.

With hearts full of love and deep sorrow, the family of Steven Ray Neal announces his passing on December 8, 2025. Known for his selfless nature, corny jokes, willingness to offer a helping hand, and his steady, comforting presence, Steve lived his life with unwavering loyalty, respect, hard work, and a fierce love for his family.

Steve was born on November 18, 1972, in Center, Texas, to James Ray Neal and Barbara Ann Boehm Neal and was the oldest of four children. Growing up, Steve carried the foundational values instilled in him by his parents - kindness, grit, and a commitment to doing what was right. These traits shaped him into the man his family and friends depended on.

Steve built his life around family, love, and purpose. He was the devoted husband of Ada Inez Neal, and though the word “stepdad” existed on paper, Steve lived as a father in every real sense of the word to Aaron Crawford (and daughter-in-law Brittany) and Alyssa Crawford, and as a proud dad to Avery Neal. His love for his family was steady, patient, and unshakable.

His greatest joy came from being “Papaw” to his grandchildren - Chesni Kay, Marleigh Rae, and Kash Aaron Crawford - who lit up his life. He cherished every moment spent with them.

Steve began his career at TDCJ in 2000 at the Polunsky unit as a Correctional Officer. He then moved on to field force before going to STG as a Sergeant. Steve then decided to attend the police academy at the age of 40 where he was the next to the oldest in his class and graduated top 10 of his class. After completing the police academy, he joined OIG and has been with the agency for the past 13 years. He was a great investigator and loved his job very much.

In his free time, Steve enjoyed being surrounded by the people he loved most. He loved spending time with family, going on cruises, and being around his grandkids. These were the moments where his smile was widest and his heart fullest.

Steve will be remembered for the way he made people feel - safe, supported, and loved. His legacy lives on in the countless memories he created, the lessons he taught, and the family he shaped with his quiet strength and humor.

He will be forever missed.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Ada Crawford Neal; children, Aaron and Brittany Crawford, Alyssa Crawford, and Avery Neal; grandchildren, Chesni Crawford, Marleigh Crawford, and Kash Crawford; parents, James and Barbara Neal; siblings, Michael Neal, Karen and Richard Rankin, and Stacey Neal; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Billy Crawford, John Oliver, Caleb Lawson, Jimmy Wagstaff, Melvin Hill, and Rick Samuels.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kash Crawford, Chesni Crawford, Marleigh Crawford, Bo Crawford, and Deryl Crawford.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.