George J. O'Neal 69, of Mt. Vernon died 8:15 a.m. Oct. 23, 2004, at his home.

He was born June 22, 1935, in Ozark to Frank and Hazel (Cox) O'Neal.

Mr. Neal was first married to Lila Yandell Thompson.

He later married Joyce Meadows (Owens) O'Neal on June 6, 1992, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She survives.

He was first employed with the Uncle Charles Meat Co. for several years. Next he was owner and operator of the O'Neal Distributing Co. Last, he was employed with the Republic Tea Co. in Nashville, Ill.

Services are set for 10 a.m. Wednesday at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon and 2 p.m. graveside services at the Robinson Cemetery in Ozark. Those attending the graveside services are asked to go directly to the cemetery on Wednesday. The Rev. Merle Fullerton will officiate. Burial will be in Robinson Cemetery in Ozark. Visitation is set for 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce M. O'Neal of Mt. Vernon; sons Dennis O'Neal and wife Teresa of Mt. Vernon and Sam O'Neal and wife Carol of Anna; daughter Kathy O'Neal of Benton; stepson Don Owens of Minong, Wisc.; stepdaughter Janet Owens of Dix; grandchildren Joshua O'Neal, Lucas O'Neal, Ethan O'Neal, Cody O'Neal, Gabriel O'Neal and Alexandra O'Neal, all of Mt. Vernon, and Zachary O'Neal of Anna; step-grandchildren B. J. Woodcock, Kelsey Woodcock and Hannah Woodcock, all of Anna, Zachary Owens, Kaitlin Owens and Sydney Rose Owens, all of Minong, Wisc., Jasmine Wright and Jared Wright of Jacksonville, Fla., and Jayce Ullery of Dix; several nieces and nephews; brother Donald O'Neal and wife Donna of Ozark; and sister Glenna Holden and husband Jerry of Canton, Mich.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. O'Neal was a member of the Summersville Baptist Church.

He was also a member of the Sons of American Legion in Mt. Vernon.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Sons of American Legion and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, IL, 62864. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call 618-242-3348 for obituary information at any time.

Source: Register-News
Date: October 27, 2004
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman