Elvin Tish, age 91, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, at his home in Casselberry, FL on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. Neal was born on Apr 25, 1931, in Grinnell, Iowa, the son of Reuel Elvin Tish and Florence (Baltzley) Tish. Neal graduated from Liberty Center High School, in Liberty, IA and from there immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy, Neal was stationed aboard the USS Manley (DD-940), a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer, was on one tour for the Korean War Conflict, and was in two tours during the Vietnam War. Neal also served at US Embassies in several countries across the globe during his military career, from Ankara, Turkey to Copenhagen, Denmark. Neal retired from the Navy in 1971 and went on to work as one of the original Sky Marshall’s until 1973. He retired in 1996 from the U.S. Customs Department in Fort Pierce, FL, where he received numerous certificates of Distinction and Honor from U.S. Customs and the Secretary of Treasury.
Neal loved being a Shriner/Mason. He had been involved with the Mason’s since 1961, as his father and brothers were also a part of this fraternal brotherhood, and he earned his 60-year service pin in 2021. Neal was in several different lodges, held many positions, and was involved with various activities, but none made him more thrilled and happier than assisting the Shriner’s Crippled Children’s Hospital. He was most recently a member of the Winter Park Masonic Lodge, #239.
Neal is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Mary Ann (Taylor), his brothers Gerald (Ruth) Tish and Ronald (Boots) Tish, his son, Scott (Pam) Tish, his daughters, Dawn Ann Tish and Joy Milligan, his stepdaughters Bonnie (Bill) Boyd, Connie Rivera, and Linda (James) Shephard, along with several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, all of whom were very special to Neal. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuel and Florence, his brother, Samuel Arlon “Jack” Tish, his sister, Aleen Joyce (Tish) Boese, and his grandson, Nicolas Scott Tish.
Neal’s whole mission in life was to love and serve his family, his country, and his wonderful friends. He was loved by all who knew him. Neal’s life was abundant and fulfilling. We will miss him dearly.