Gene O’Neal, 88, Wilkinson, passed away Saturday, July 9, 2016, at Hancock Regional Hospital in Greenfield. He was born on April 24, 1928, in a farm house in Green Township, Hancock County to the late Charles and Sina (Shipley) O’Neal.
Gene graduated from Eden High School in 1946 and attended Butler University. He married Elaine (Bolin) O’Neal on August 28, 1948. He retired from farming in 1992 and became President of McCray Cemetery working many hours maintaining the cemetery. Gene was well known in Hancock County for his basketball playing for the Eden Flyers and his love for Eastern Hancock Sports.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine; three children, Diana Apple, Roger (JoAnn) O’Neal, Richard (Jane Penman) O’Neal all of Wilkinson; seven grandchildren, Darlene Apple, Christy (Todd) Stephenson, Jennifer (Drew) Medland, Chris (Clarissa) O’Neal, Melissa (Jeff) Lawson, Ryan (Jaime) O’Neal and Jason O’Neal, 15 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Wiese; brother, Melvin O’Neal and son-in- law, Tom Apple.
The family has requested no viewing and a private graveside service. A Celebration of Gene’s life will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on July 30th, at the farm shop 7500 N. State Road 109, Wilkinson, IN 46186.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Willow Branch United Methodist Church, 6422 N. Thomas St., Willow Branch, IN 46186 or Eastern Hancock High School Athletics 10320 E. 250 N. Charlottesville, IN 46117.
