RICHARD “DICK” C. ” O’NEAL
Richard “Dick” C. O’Neal, 82, passed away on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on December 14, 1938, to the late Chester C. O’Neal Sr. and Gayle Holland O’Neal in Pennville.
Dick graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree.
On December 21, 1984, he married his beloved wife of 37 years Elaine Epps in Connersville.
Dick served in the United States Navy and the National Guard for a combined 13 years. During his time in the Navy, he was awarded Sailor of the Year in 1962. After his time in the service, he attended the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, where he was in the Charter Class and graduated in 1968. After graduation, he proudly served Connersville as a police officer for 30 years and retired as the Chief of Police in 1999.
He served his community proudly by being on the city council for 16 years and being the president of the council for six years. He also served in the Utility board for three years.
Dick was a committed member of the Connersville Lions Club, where he was elected for President for three terms. While he was a member, he received the highest award bestowed upon a Lion, the Melvin P. Jones Award, as well as the W.P. Woods Fellow Award.
Dick was a lifelong member of the Fairfield Masonic Lodge #98 F&AM.
On June 4, 2010, Dick was inducted as a Kentucky Colonel.
Along with his wife Elaine, he will be greatly missed by his children, Kimberly Sue (Glen) Klein and Ryan M. (Tina) O’Neal; stepchildren, Chad (Jennifer) Friend and Shane Friend; grandchildren, Austin Cramer, Loggan Friend, Lauren Cotton, Jason (Nikki) Klein, Ryan (Danka) Klein and Kevin (Wendy) Klein; great grandchildren, Kainin, Kaylee, Chloe, Landon, Cohen, Cameron, Joshua and Casey; Great Grandson, CJ Cotton, a brother, Gary O’Neal and his special buddy “Rudy”.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Chester O’Neal and William O’Neal, a nephew, Brian O’Neal and his beloved pets Brandy, Ellie, Raz, and River.
Visitation for Dick will be held on Monday, April 19, 2021, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W. 8th St. Connersville. A masonic service will begin at 2 p.m., with the Fairlfield Masonic Lodge #98 F&AM. The funeral service will follow with Pastor Gerald Holmes officiating. Burial will follow in Sims Cemetery.
To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family a personal message, visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.