Neil Creager

Neil Michael Creager, 68 of Apple Valley, CA died Wednesday morning (December 3, 2020) at St. Mary’s Hospital in Apple Valley, CA due to complications. He is survived by his wife, Jolyn Creager. They were together in love and marriage for 42 years.

Neil was born April 19, 1952, in Wilmington, OH, son of the late Robert Creager and Nancy McPherson Coldren.

Neil graduated from Pacific High School in San Bernardino, CA in 1971.  He enlisted in the Air Force before he was drafted after high school in 1971.  He was very proud of his United States Air Force service and was honorably discharged.  He would tell people it was the best experience he accomplished for himself.  The education and knowledge would mold him for the future.

Neil worked for Stater Bros in San Bernardino, CA briefly and Market Basket Grocery Store in Riverside, CA in late 70s early 80s as a bagger and checker eventually opting for a different field of work.

Neil worked for the City of San Bernardino for 30 years in the Park and Recreation Department as a Park Maintenance Worker II.  He made sure children and their parents had a safe and clean environment at parks and baseball fields.  He often worked the yearly Little League play-off games in Devore, CA because he loved baseball so much.  The Dodgers was his professional team and he loved going to the Stadium to see them play.

Neil also enjoy watching NASCAR Racing with his friends and Jeff Gordon was his driver.  He loved Football looking forward every year to watching his favorite quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Neil loved all types of music from Big Bands, Classic Rock, and Country.  Neil Diamond is his all-time favorite singer.  He loved to listen to his music very loud on his stereo and surround sound TV.

Neil’s friends of Frogees, Party Doll, and Silver Spur will miss his humor and is friendly attitude.  His nick name was “gabby” even though he was a better listener than talker.

Neil was a very kind person, smiled big and was so nice to people he met.  He always took care of animals when he could.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the bestfriends.org to help cure and save all types of animals.

A special thanks goes to the nurses of St. Mary’s Hospital especially the ICU nurses.  They gave Neil their gentle care and compassion daily. They always made him feel comfortable.

Neil is survived by his mother, Nancy McPherson Coldren, his sister Anita Johnson, and a host of nephews and nieces.  He will also be greatly missed by his friends and their families.

Neil will be buried at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA in March 2021. Neil preferred a celebration of life instead of a funeral.  An event will be planned sometime in 2021.

Neil made a lasting impression on all of us and he will be greatly missed by so many people.  Please do something nice for someone.