John Michael O'Neill, 81 year-old Nowata resident, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2006, at the Claremore Veterans Center. John Michael O'Neill was born October 17, 1924, in Stillwater, Oklahoma to John Marcus O'Neill and Estella Cochran-O'Neill. He attended school at the Shanahan School in rural Vinita. John served his country in the United States Army during World War II where he saw combat in New Guinea, Southern Philippines and Luzon. He returned from the service in January 1946 and married Dorothy Moore, March 13, 1948. He worked as a mechanic for Herb Shores in Vinita for 7 years and then Wilkerson Chevrolet in Tulsa for 33 years. John enjoyed his family and spent countless hours with them. He loved playing outside with the children and grandchildren. John will be remembered for his ability to spot deer, kill snakes and tell a great story. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent time hunting, fishing, and camping. John and Dorothy loved taking trips together to the lake and traveling to different states. John spent time playing dominoes, pinochle and reading books. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy O'Neill of the home; daughters, Linda Oliver and her husband James of Claremore, Phyllis Buck and her husband Stephen of Dallas, Georgia, and Carol Weaver of Claremore; by one son, Mike O'Neill and his wife Debbie of Sand Springs; seven grandchildren, Kristin Oliver-Wilson, Jeff Oliver, Heather Miller, Holly O'Neill, Stephanie Sullivan, Shelley Buck, and Jeremy Weaver; six great-grandchildren, Ethan Wilson, Jenna Wilson, John David Miller, Ashton Miller, Byron Sullivan, and Corbin Sullivan; five siblings, Irene Sears of Delaware, Wesley O'Neill of Milwaukee, Oregon, Ollie O'Neill of Portland, Oregon, Dorothy Balthis of Vinita, and Dolly Howard of Nowata. He was preceded in death by his parents, and six siblings, Leslie O'Neill, Nellie Sanborn, Walter O'Neill, Raleigh O'Neill, Pat O'Neill and Raymond O'Neill. Memorial contributions may be made to the 10-33 Emergency Team, 321 E. Cherokee, Nowata, OK 74048. On-Line condolences can be left at www.honoringmemories.com.
Service Details
Monday, August 21st, 2006 10:00am, Benjamin Funeral Home
Interment Details
Chelsea Cemetery