Neal Kimball Mower

Neal Kimball Mower was born on June 2, 1957, in Dragerton, Utah, the firstborn child of Gloria Taylor Mower and Melvin Kimball Mower. Raised in the peaceful town of North Logan, Neal developed a lifelong love for the outdoors from a young age. Whether it was hiking the backcountry, casting a line in a quiet stream, or heading into the hills for a hunt, Neal was always most at home in nature. Alongside his father, he also learned to care for and train horses, eventually becoming a skilled young jockey at the local races.

Neal attended Sky View High School, where he was known for his athletic talent and competitive spirit. He played football but truly shined in track and field, especially in the Javelin. His abilities with the javelin took him all the way to the National Track & Field Competition where he placed first shattering records with a winning throw of 222’, Neal’s record stood for many years at Sky View High School.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Neal served an honorable mission in England. He held an unfailing testimony of tithing and paid it faithfully throughout his life. In recent years, he increased his testimony of the temple and attended regularly and often served members of his ward by bringing them to the temple. He loved studying the scriptures and truly understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Upon returning home from his mission, he attended Utah State University where he earned a duel bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Finance with a minor in Economics. He began his career in banking and settled in St. George, Utah. He served as the branch manager at Dixie State Bank in Hurricane, Utah. After a short career in banking, he returned to his true love, construction. Neal quickly proved to be a natural with heavy equipment—something he would master and operate with pride throughout his life.

Neal had a deep love for classic vehicles, and few things were more iconic than his cream and root beer–colored 1979 Ford F-150. That beloved truck carried him for over a million miles and became a symbol of Neal's enduring spirit.

From his earliest days, Neal was fascinated by the world of insects. His passion for entomology began as a boy and blossomed into a lifelong pursuit. Over the course of more than 60 years, Neal built an extraordinary collection of bugs, butterflies, moths, and beetles—one that could rival the best university collections in both scope and quality. In high school, he developed strong carpentry skills, and in the early 1980s, Neal began combining his craftsmanship with his bug collection by creating and selling beautifully framed insect displays around Logan.

His love of nature often took him down dusty backroads and deep into the wilderness under the night sky. It was there—illuminated by lantern light and a bug sheet—that Neal could be found carefully collecting rare and exotic specimens, killing jar in hand. But it wasn’t just bugs that drew Neal to the wild—he had an explorer’s heart and a photographer’s eye. He sought out Utah’s most remote and breathtaking places, capturing moments of wild beauty few others would ever see. Especially drawn to storms, Neal became known for his incredible lightning photography, capturing nature's raw power with rare artistry.

A true craftsman, Neal built much of the furniture in his home—each piece a testament to his skill, patience, and attention to detail. From dressers to dining sets, he built not only for function but for beauty.

In true renaissance man fashion, Neal added yet another impressive talent to his list later in life—replica Native American pottery. Inspired by the ancient methods of the Ancestral Puebloans, Neal founded his own business, Distant Echos, and set out to honor their traditions. He taught himself how to hand-build pottery using traditional techniques, firing his pieces in sagebrush-fueled fires. Using a paint made from natural sugars that turned black when fired, he recreated ancient patterns with remarkable authenticity. His work was so admired it found homes with collectors across the country and is still proudly displayed at various locations in the St. George area.

Neal Mower was once described by a friend as a true renaissance man—and no title could be more fitting. He was an artist, a craftsman, a naturalist, an explorer, a photographer, a collector, and above all, a kind and humble soul. He lived a life rich with passion, curiosity, and creativity. His legacy is one of quiet excellence and wild beauty, and he will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Neal was preceded in death by his parents; Melvin Kimball Mower and Gloria Taylor Mower; Sister-in Law, Nicole Mower, beloved Aunt & Uncle, Geniel & Gayle Mower. He is survived by his brothers; Raul (Marina) Mower of Chino, California, Matt (Kelly) Mower of American Fork, Utah and Scott Joseph (Leslie) Mower of Enoch, Utah; 11 nieces & nephews and many devoted friends.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 26th, 2025. A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Padre Canyon Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 625 East Center Street, Ivins, Utah 84738. Interment will follow at the Ivins City Cemetery.

Services will be live streamed. Please click on the link below to view the service.