Ernest L McNeil, 91, of Nampa, Idaho passed away October 13, 2025, peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loving family.

Ernie was born September 5, 1934, in LaBelle Idaho to Inez and Robert McNeil and grew up to graduate high school from Rupert high where he met the love of his life Joann. They were married Oct 14 1956 and were 2 hours shy of celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary. Ernie then went on to serve in Germany then France in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. In 1967, Ernie and Jo adopted their son, Jeff, whom they raised with love and resolve. Ernie and Joann spent their best years camping, fishing, and spending quality time outdoors gardening. They both had a deep appreciation for the game of golf and could often be found playing a quick 9 after work or on a random weekday in their retirement. Ernie was also an accomplished sportsman with great tales of fall days out with his friends and family seeking elk.

Ernie always had a passion for farming and farming equipment. He went to work for Ford to own and operate Nampa Ford tractor in November 1970. Where he built a thriving business and a dealership that farmers wanted to work with. He helped establish a robust business and long lived careers for those who worked for him. Even into retirement there was always a New Holland tractor sitting out front of their home waiting for him to sell to a farmer that needed it.

On his days of retirement, you could always find him playing gin with his wife or a game of solitaire with his own rules.

Ernie was always surrounded by family and friends and everyone that came to know him only wanted to know him more. There wasn't a time where he went somewhere and didn't know someone there.

He is survived by his loving wife Joann, son Jeff McNeil, his two grandkids JJ and Jazmine and his five great grand kids. Lyla, Hadley, Louisa, Benjamin Ernest, and Margot.

"I've made some good deals and bad deals. And this one looks like I'm going in the hole." - Ernie McNeil

Service and a celebration of life will be held at 2 PM Oct. 28 at the Idaho State Veterans cemetery. If attending, please arrive at 1:45 as the service will begin promptly at 2 pm. Horseshoe Bend Rd. Boise ID 83714