Thomas Franklin O'Neal

Obituary:

Thomas Franklin O’Neal, 86, of Fredericksburg went peacefully Home on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 in the comfort of his home after a period of declining health.

Tom was born July 10, 1932 in Robinson, IL to the late Jacob Grode and Retta Pearl (Sisil) O’Neal. He graduated from New Lexington High School where he played football and served in the U.S. Air Force as a radio operator from 1952 – 1956 having been in the 3941 Strategic Air Command Squadron. On June 27, 1964 Tom married the former Janice Sheppard and together they shared 54 wonderful years together having lived in Creston, Shreve and in Fredericksburg since 1980. For 20 years he worked in the insurance business having been with National Life Insurance Co. and then transported Amish for 34 years. Tom loved transporting the Amish which was more than a job, it was a dedication and commitment to serving others and where he made many friends. He was a member of Heritage Baptist Church in Smithville and is remembered for his faithfulness to God and to his family and friends.

Surviving are his wife, Jan; children, Rick (Kris) O’Neal of Millersburg, Denise (Steve) Blaber of Coggon, IA, Debra (Craig) Chambers of El Paso, TX, Venetia Downing of Sterling, Duane O’Neal of Fredericksburg and Diana (Keith) Skaggs of Rio Rancho, NM; 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren and his sister, Geneva Stover of Dalton. He was preceded in death by his parents, two grandchildren, brothers Oris and Jack and sister, Mildred and Edna O’Neal and Deloris Brenneman.

Services will be Saturday, Oct. 6th at 1:00 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Fredericksburg where friends may call on Friday, Oct. 5th from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be in Fredericksburg East Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Oct. 7th at 1:30 p.m. Heritage Baptist Church in Smithville. Pastor Michael Alvis will officiate both services. Tributes may be shared at www.Murray-Funeral-Home.com Memorial contributions may be made to LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8