COLONEL WILLIAM “BILL” NEINAST PASSES AWAY

  

A long-time military veteran and weekly newspaper columnist has passed away. 

Colonel William Henry “Bill” Neinast died while surrounded by family this past Tuesday at the age 94.

Neinast was born on August 26, 1929 in Somerville, and later became valedictorian of his senior class.

He would then go on to study at Texas Lutheran College and the University of Texas at Austin.  It was in college that he met his future wife, Jeannine.

After graduating from college, Neinast went on to join the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General Corps.

Neinast served in the Army for 28 years and rose to the rank of Colonel. His military career included two tours in Germany, and one tour of Viet Nam.

He later went on to serve as Chief of the Army’s Litigation Division and was assigned to the Pentagon from 1973-1976.

After retiring from the military in 1979, Neinast and his wife, Jeannine, moved to Burton, where they opened a bed and breakfast and had a small cattle operation.

He also taught government classes at Blinn College, and was an active member of the Lions Club.

Neinast became very involved in Washington County politics as well.  He wrote a weekly column for the Brenham Banner Press for many years.

Col. Neinast is survived by his wife, four children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.