Obituary of Billy O'Neil

Billy Dale O'Neil, 75, of Doniphan, died Friday, November 5, 2010 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. O'Neil was born March 19, 1935 in Beatrice, Nebraska, son of Bernard O'Neil and Reta Gariss O'Neil. Bill graduated from Beatrice High School in 1953 and went straight into the United States Army where he served for over 20 years, participating in two foreign wars, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. He retired in 1973 and joined the Houston, MO police department, where he served for 12 years. He began painting in 1973 and started O'Neil's Painting Service in 1975. He worked at Harp's Grocery Store in Doniphan until his death. He was baptized in 1975 in Barstow, California and was attending West Point United Pentecostal Church in Doniphan to worship his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Bill's favorite past time was his family. He loved being surrounded by family. He enjoyed painting, fishing, hunting, woodworking, dancing, sports, learning new things, going to see his grandchildren, and enjoying life. He always bragged that he taught all his children how to make a living by teaching them how to paint. He was always adamant that all windows were cleaned spotless and we did the best job possible for every customer. He also bragged that he was the oldest person working at the store and his prayer every day before he went to work was "If I can be a blessing to one person today, I'll be happy". Bill was married to Glenda Winslow June 12, 1955. From that union were five children, Teresa Phillips and Vicki Wade of Houston, MO; Lorraine Romine and husband Gerald of Branson, MO; Glenn O'Neil and wife Jenny of Scott City, KS; Billy O'Neil and wife Debbie, of Licking, MO. On September 21, 1996, he was married to Patricia Nail. She survives. Also surviving are two step-children, Joe Eveland and wife Jennifer; Natalie Carter and husband Richard; 21 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; He is also survived by two sisters-in law, and one brother-in-law, Sandy O'Neil of Omaha, NE; and Paula Randall and husband Jerry of Fayetteville, AR. He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers, Dick, Don, Jack, John, and Frankie. Funeral Services for Mr. O'Neil will be held Monday, November 8, 2010 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be Sunday evening from 5-8 P.M. Burial with full military honors will be in the Hunt-White Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Doniphan.