Cecil R. O’Neal of Hodgen, Oklahoma was born November 26, 1943 in the Green Valley Community in Red Oak, Oklahoma to James and Dollie (Evans) O’Neal and passed away March 28, 2019 in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the age of 75.
He is survived by:
His wife:
Debra O’Neal of the home
Two daughters:
Shelley Kelley and husband Chris of the Reichert Community
Shelia Hollan and companion Jim Hines of the Reichert Community
Three sons:
Keith O’Neal and wife Deanne of Summerfield, Oklahoma
Kail Ghigo and fiancé Tiffani of Dora, Oklahoma
Craig Ghigo and wife Tabitha of Hot Springs, Arkansas
One sister:
Loretta Winegarten and husband Mel of Wilburton, Oklahoma
One sister-in-law and spouse:
Cecelia Fuller and husband H.S of Hereford, Texas
Two brothers:
J.R. O’Neal and wife Ida of Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Jack O’Neal and companion Donna of Dewey, Oklahoma
One brother-in-law and spouse:
John McSpadden and wife Sandra of Dumas, Texas
The mother of his children:
Claudette Hamner of the Reichert Community
14 grandchildren:
Alicia and husband Jason Herell
Christie and husband Aaron Branscum
Cari and husband Zach Kothenbeutel
Eddie Kelley and fiancé Amy
Kim and husband Nathan Davidson
Sarah Hollan and fiancé Jimmy Bender
Kevyn and husband Travis Mudd
Ryne and wife Brandi O’Neal
Taylor and husband Michael Dacus
Corbin, Isaac, Sundash, Emberli, Dominic Ghigo
15 great-grandchildren
Four great-great-grandchildren
Numerous other loved ones and host of friends
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Delbert O’Neal and Donnie O’Neal; and a grandson, Jacob Hollan.
Cecil was a long-time resident of the area, a member of Big Creek Baptist Church, and 1962 graduate of Leflore High School.
He retired as Lieutenant from the James E. Hamilton Correctional Facility, where he worked for a total of 25 years.
Cecil was an avid fisherman and his children were never surprised to find huge catfish in the bathtub. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers; he loved helping anyone, plowing up gardens, and fixing their tractor or bailer. He was a fixer and tougher than a pine knot. His big smile and twinkling blue eyes also told you he was sweeter than honey. Cecil’s love and faith in Jesus carried him through many trials. His family was his heart.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Monday, April 1, 2019 at Big Creek Baptist Church with Brother John Mark Little officiating. Interment will follow in the Page Cemetery in Heavener, Oklahoma with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Honor Guard and arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be: Andy Anderson, Paul Pickle, Ray Doyle, Matt Spears, Kevin Yandell, and Sonny Brown
Viewing will begin at noon until 8:00 p.m., Saturday and 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.
The family will visit with friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gideon International.
To sign Cecil’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com
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