Robert Taylor Neville, loving husband, father, grandfather, and Great Papa, passed peacefully at home in his sleep on October 17, 2020. He lived a 90-year life full of Christ-like service and love for his family.
Robert was born June 28, 1930 in Salt Lake City, Utah of pioneer-stock parents—Joseph and Julia Neville. He and his four siblings spent their early years in rugged Escalante, Utah while his father engineered the building of rural roads and bridges. After moving to Ogden, Bob graduated from Weber College and prepared to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He and his identical twin brother, Bruce, served together in post-WWII Germany and were even companions at the end of their missions.
Bob returned to his parent’s home in Kaysville, Utah where he met and married his eternal sweetheart, Maxine Burton. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple and were together more than 66 years; their love continues forever. During the Korean Conflict, Bob joined the United States Air Force as a flight engineer on B-36 bombers. After his military career he graduated from the University of Utah with degrees in Accounting and Law. He and Maxine settled in Scottsdale, AZ where they raised their family and enjoyed a successful law practice.
Robert had a firm testimony of The Book of Mormon and was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many callings including Scoutmaster, Young Men’s leader, multiple Bishoprics, and especially enjoyed his service as the Bishop of the Mesa 54th YSA Ward. In later years, he and Maxine moved to Gilbert and together served Church missions in Ketchikan, Alaska and Washington D.C., along with many years as ordinance workers in the Mesa and Gilbert temples. While he loved serving in the church, Bob also enjoyed serving in his community. Upon retiring from the practice of law, he provided free legal service for 18 years at the Mesa Senior Center.
Bob thoroughly enjoyed life, especially all outdoor activities. The family made many memories together attending local sporting events, camping, lake trips, family beach vacations, as well as backpacking, river rafting, and fishing in wild Alaska. He also obtained his pilot’s license and flew his own plane. But above all, Bob cherished his family and loved the Savior.
Robert is survived by his lovely wife, Maxine, and his five children—Scot (Kim); Julie (Len); Chris (Cathy); Suzanne (Brad); and David. He leaves a wonderful posterity of 19 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren with more to come.
Funeral services will be privately held with family at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 24. Those wishing to virtually attend the service can visit the link on this site below.
>>> http://tiny.cc/RobertNeville
I was saddened to hear of Uncle Bob’s passing. I know he lived a long good life. I remember the good times growing up when our families got together. My thoughts are with your family at this time of his passing.
He was a great man. I enjoyed getting to know him, Sister Neville, Chris, and Cathy in the Mesa 54th Ward.
My family were greatly involved with the Neville Family in the Scottsdale Third Ward. It is always sad for me to hear that one of our fellow friends has passed to the other side. Bob was a wonderful man, a great friend, and a spiritual leader and we loved each and every one of his family members. My love to you Maxine.
Dear, sweet, Maxine;
I am so saddened to hear of Bobs passing!! He was a second father to me in my growing up years. I remember the basket ball games in your driveway and the family night lessons at your house and I especially remember his helping to teach me the Gospel. You two were such a huge part of my family’s life and we all love and admire both of you! I will always be eternally grateful for knowing Bob and will always cherish the things he taught me. Especially about the Savior and the Gospel.. I love you, Maxine and am thinking of you and your family at this time. . My heart goes with you. Love Shelly
Our condolences to you Maxine and your delightful Family. My brother in law Arden Palmer called today and advised of Bob’s passing. We laughed together as he recounted the great times as Bobs counselor in 54th ward. I remember fondly your service as stake RS President, Maxine. Those were truly Camelot years as we all served together in the Great Maricopa Stake and the 54th Ward. May God bless you all, Dave & Louise Udall and Arden Palmer.
Dear Maxine, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. It is hard to lose the physical presence of our loved one but, so comforting to know we are together forever in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hope to see you in Simada yet this year and learn and grow together. You are such a lovely presenter and I look forward to listening to you. May you have comfort in all your days. Love, Karen
My dear Maxine, know my heart is sad, what a giant of a man Bob was. I will miss his beautiful smile and the twinkle in his eyes. May the Lord hold you close during this time. Know I love you so much.
My dear Maxine, know my heart is sad, what a giant of a man Bob was. I will miss his beautiful smile and the twinkle in his eyes. May the Lord hold you close during this time. Know I love you so much.
So sorry for your loss Neville’s. Maxine, all the devotion and time served Bob in these later years will always comfort you. I enjoy your company at Simada and your gracious absence has been noticed. Your life with Bob seemed so perfect and both of you are admired by so many. May you continue to be comforted by His spirit.
Love, Shawna
Dear Maxine, we are so grateful to be in the Lakeside Ward with you and Bob for these many years. What a blessing your example and your service has always been to us. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family in the coming months and years. Our love, Kathy and Steve
I am saddened by his passing. What a great man! He took me under his wing when I was a young lawyer. He was so proud of his pro bono work for others, he let me assist. To this day, I follow his guidance and do pro bono work for others. He taught me how to judge others and find good people. His advice is taught to all lawyers I instruct. We shared a rare cancer. The legal community has lost a legend. May the Lord help you find comfort in the goodness of his life, I know I have.