December 16, 1980

Msgr. Leon McNeill

Msgr. McNeill was born on October 29, 1902 in Guthrie, OK and received his early education in San Bernardino, CA and St. Mary School in Newton, KS. After attending St. Benedict College in Atchison, KS and St. Meinrad Seminary, St. Meinrad, IN, he was ordained by Bishop Schwertner on June 11, 1927. Following his ordination he attended Catholic University in Washington, DC for one year. During his priesthood Msgr. McNeill served in the diocese in many ways: he was Diocesan Director of Schools, was first pastor of St. Peter Claver Parish in Wichita, was president of Sacred Heart Junior College, was pastor of St. James Parish in Augusta, was chaplain of St. Margaret Mercy Hospital in Fredonia, and chaplain of Villa Maria in Mulvane. Other assignments were as officialis of the tribunal, diocesan consultor, director of CCD, director of the Venezuelan Missions, and director of Special CCD Services. Msgr. McNeill died of a massive stroke on December 16, 1980 and his funeral was celebrated at St. Mary Parish, Aleppo where he resided at the time of his death. Bishop Maloney noted in his homily that, “Msgr. McNeill had served in nearly every position in the diocese that a priest can fulfill.” (The Catholic Advance, Jan. 1, 1981) Msgr. McNeill was buried in Aleppo.