Henry Neal Pepper

Services for Henry Neal Pepper, 81, of Early were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 1992 in the Early Church of Christ with Wayne Horton officiating.  He was buried in Eastlawn Memorial Park under the direction of the Davis-Morris Funeral Home. 

Pepper was born in Boerne July 28, 1911, and lived most of his life in Brown County. He served in the U.S. Air Force  and was a retired employee of the Rock River Woolen Mill. As member of the Church of Christ, he was a Sunday school teacher and participant in the father and son campouts. He coached Little League for many years and has a baseball field in the Camp Bowie ballpark - Neal Pepper Field - named in his honor.

He was a longtime Scouter for the Boy Scouts of America.  He served as a Cubmaster for Pack 22 for three years; and spent three years as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 22, sponsored by the Bluffview Community Center.  He then spent 35 years as scoutmaster for Troop 22, sponsored by the Bluffview Community Center, later sponsored by St. John's Episcopal Church, and then the Brownwood Kiwanis Club.  The troop is still active with Tully Hair serving as Scoutmaster.

He served as Scoutmaster to 32 Eagle Scouts; was recipient of the Silver Beaver Award in 1971.  He  received his Wood Badge in 1965 and earned both the Scoutmaster's Training Award and the Scoutmaster's Key.

He served 15 years as adviser, Otena Lodge of the Order of the Arrow, 1977-92; Vigil  Honor, OA, 1964; and OA Ordeal, 1958.  He served 15 years on the Comanche Trail Council Executive Board and was Contingent Leader for the 1985 National Boy Scout Jamboree for Jamboree Troop 719.  He had taken his troop to Philmont Scout Ranch each year since 1962, including 1978.

On July 17, 1990, he was recognized by the City of Brownwood with the observance of Neal Pepper Day in Brownwood.

An avid golfer, he played every Tuesday and Thursday. He was of member of the Par Country Club. 

He was survived by two brothers,  A.C. Pepper of Early and Dale K. Pepper of Lubbock; and a number of nieces and nephews.