Dwayne Thomas McNeel passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on July 5, 1949, to parents, Thurston and Edith VanMeter McNeel in Odessa, Missouri.

Dwayne’s childhood hobbies included playing on the family farm, taking turns riding their family’s one bike, sledding with neighbors, swimming in the pond, hunting, and fishing. He loved having Wayne as a twin because he was never without a playmate or best friend.

Dwayne was part of the first entering 1st grade class at the newly built Mary K. McQuerry Elementary School in 1954, and also the first graduating class at Odessa High School in 1967.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969 and entered basic training with twin brother Wayne at Fort Leonard Wood. After basic training, Dwayne was stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., serving until 1971.

After the Army, Dwayne and Wayne went on to work construction for J.R. Stewart and J.E. Dunn. While working for J.E. Dunn, both brothers were part of the crew constructing the One Kansas City building, which was the tallest building in Kansas City at that time.

Following their time in commercial construction, the twins started D&W Construction, building and owning many properties, and worked together through retirement. He took pride in being a caring landlord.

Dwayne enjoyed fishing, golf, bowling, playing cards, playing Keno, watching dirt track racing. He also enjoyed water skiing and snow skiing. His pride and joy was watching his grandkids’ sporting events.

Dwayne is survived by daughters Dallas McNeel and Tracy Peter (Curt), siblings Audra Baker, Janice Anderson (Gene), Ray McNeel, 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, wife of 42 years Leona, son William V. Cobb Jr., grandson Evan Hedicke, siblings Wayne McNeel and Judy Steelman.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO 64076 (816-633-5524). A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 9, 2026, at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will take place at Odessa Cemetery. Dwayne’s family will be hosting a dinner and celebration of life at Odessa VFW Post 5675 after the services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Odessa VFW Post 5675 and Luminos Hospice.

Memories and condolences may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.