Jack O'Neal

Jack Franklin O’Neal Sr. 90, of Robinson passed away at a local hospital Sunday July 28. The family will receive visitors Friday August 2, from 5 to 7 PM at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Dr. Graveside services will be held Saturday, August 3 at 10 AM at Prairie Hill Cemetery. Officiate Chaplain Holland of Waco. Honorary Pallbearers are Jake, Gavin and Jack O’Neal, Tommy Cox, Dale Donovan, Norman Fulcher, Charlie Rasner.
Jack was born July 12, 1923 in Mexia Texas to Durward and Iola McKinney O’Neal. After his parent’s early deaths, Jack and his sisters were cared for by his maternal Aunt Bertie Mae Smart and her husband Charlie Smart. And his paternal Grandparents John William and Myrtie Forrester O’Neal.
Jack served 4 years and 8 months in WWII. He fought in North Africa and Italy with the fighting 36th.. He obtained battle field promotion to staff Sargent. Wounded twice, he was awarded a campaign medal with 2 bronze stars and a purple heart with oak leaf cluster.
He moved to Robinson in 1945 and worked for Owens-Illinois until his retirement in 1981. He married Barbara Jane Woodliff on December 29, 1951.
Jack had many interests and friends. He nurtured a lifelong fascination with all things mechanical and natural. He enjoyed wood carving, music, photography and took up painting in the last year of his life, with much success. His sense of humor, curiosity and love of life will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his sisters Margaret House and Peggy Briggs. And his wife of 53 years Barbara Woodliff O’Neal.
Jack is survived by daughter Peggy O’Neal Donovan and her husband Dale Donovan of Corvallis Oregon. His son Jack Franklin O’Neal and his wife Kristin Louise-Hay O’Neal and their sons, Jake and Gavin O’Neal of St. Louis, Missouri.