Lynda Dayle Neely passed away at the age of 82 on May 28, 2025 at her home in Abilene, KS.
Born on October 2, 1942, in Refugio, Texas, Lynda was the daughter of Jesse Clyde and Alma Faye (LeBleu) Millican.
She spent her early years in South Texas, creating cherished memories with her siblings. In 1953, her family relocated to Corpus Christi, where she graduated from W.B. Ray High School in 1960. She married Richard (Dick) Millner in 1961 and together they welcomed three children, Adam, Jill, and David.Lynda had a passion for preserving history. She became known for purchasing and restoring many of Abilene’s historic homes, sparking a community-wide appreciation for local heritage. In 1982, she was appointed director of the Dickinson County Historical Society. Upon her retirement, she was honored to serve as the first director of the newly established Eisenhower Foundation, a role she held for several years before retiring once more.
Her public service extended beyond these roles. Lynda served on the Abilene City Commission, serving as mayor three times in her tenure. She received a gubernatorial appointment to the Heritage Commission. She was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Kansas Downtown Development Association, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Kansas State Historical Society, Kansas Museum Association, American Association of State and Local History, and the Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce. Of all her achievements, Lynda was most proud of her efforts to make Abilene the best it could be. Her vision and dedication left an enduring mark on the town she loved.In 1989, Lynda married Ed Scheele. Together, they founded ESA Design, through which they designed museums across the United States. One of her most treasured projects was contributing to the design and development of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.
In the last three decades of her life, Lynda was lovingly known as Nana—a title she cherished most. Her grandchildren were the center of her world, and she shaped their lives with her warmth, wisdom, and boundless love. She embraced each moment with them, especially those filled with adventure.
On October 13, 2018, Lynda married Russell Neely. Russell was a devoted and loving partner, ensuring her final years could be spent at their cherished home on Red Bud Lake. Their time together was filled with joy, comfort, and continued adventures.
Lynda was preceded in death by her parents, son Adam Millner and grandson River Wilson Millner. She is survived by her husband, Russell Neely; Children Jill (Steve) Lang and David Millner; Daughter-in-law Chalsea Millner; Sister Gayle Waldrep; Brothers David (Betty) Millican and Dan (Diane) Millican; Grandchildren Killian (Sheridan) Millner, Zoe Millner, Olivia (Gus Bryant) Crist, and Ava Crist; Great Grandchildren River Wayne Millner and Hattie Faye Bryant.
Cremation services for Lynda will be 10:30 am Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church in Abilene with Pastor Tony Serbousek officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home. Her final resting place will be in the Abilene Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Redbud Lake Improvement District and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410.