Graham Justus O’Neal
A Memorial Service for Graham Justus O’Neal, 82, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 3, 2013, at First United Methodist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. O’Neal was greeted by Jesus on July 27, 2013.
He was born November 1, 1930, to Henry Charles O’Neal and Nancy Ellen Jennings O‘Neal in Swifton, Arkansas. As a young man, Graham’s family moved to San Diego, California. During his late teens, his family moved to Paragould, Arkansas, where Graham, who excelled in many sports, completed high school in 1948.
That summer Graham married his high school sweetheart, Camila “Connie” Guill; they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Graham and Connie were blessed with three children: Kathleen, Scott and Grant. The O’Neal’s moved to West Plains in 1962.
Graham began his first career working for Sterling Stores in 1948. He managed stores in Kennett and West Plains, Missouri. After more than 30 years with Sterling’s, Graham pursued higher education culminating in a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of New York and a Master’s in Business Administration from Arkansas State University. Along the way, Graham studied at several fine educational institutions including: Cambridge University, Oxford University, Trinity College and the University of Texas.
Upon completion of his MBA, Graham began his second career as CEO of West Plains Health Service. He worked in this capacity for 22 years as the agency grew from 4 to 30 employees and retired in 2008 at the age of 77. He was the interim Director of Ozarks Medical Center (OMC) for 1 ½ years. Graham also contributed to the education of others as an adjunct Professor at Missouri State University-West Plains, as a contributor of chapters for several graduate-level textbooks, Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, Youth Group Leader and Scout Leader. He was also actively involved throughout his life in many community organizations and activities in Kennett and West Plains. These included the Downtown Merchant Association, Kiwanis’s, Chamber of Commerce, R-7 Board of Education, Missouri State University Advisory Board, the Rotary Club, the Urban Renewal Board and the Civic Center Board. He has attended the First United Methodist Churches of West Plains and Kennett. Graham served terms as president or chairman of many of these organizations and was proud of the many achievements during his tenure. Throughout his life, Graham was blessed with many friendships and interests. His friends described him as thoughtful, humorous and industrious. His Christian faith was at the center of his life.
Graham was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Henry, Charles and Frank and one sister, Norma.
Graham was a devoted husband and father who valued his family and considered them to be the most important focus of his earthly life. Graham is survived by his wife, Connie; their three children, Kathleen Aid, husband, Toney, Scott O’Neal, wife, Kay and Grant O’Neal, wife, Patty; four grandchildren, Hilary Aid, Graham Aid, Rachel Beaman, husband, Daniel and Leslie O’Neal; four step-grandchildren, Scott David, Athena, Becca and Ryan; and two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Ethan Beaman.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Graham and Connie O’Neal Scholarship Fund at MSU-West Plains or the OMC Foundation. Contributions may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 2, 2013, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
July 29, 2013 @ 6:46 pm
Connie, Kathleen, Scott, and Grant and Families,
We’re sending our deepest sympathy upon the loss of Graham. We’ll be keeping each one of you in our daily prayers/thoughts. May God encourage, strengthen, and comfort each one of you during this difficult time. May God bless each one of you.
In Christian Love, Tim,Amber, and Corby Redburn
Amber and Dale Johnston
July 29, 2013 @ 9:10 pm
Dear Scott and Family, Kathy and Family and Mrs. O’Neal,
We are holding your family up in prayer during this time of loss. Praying that your hearts will find peace knowing this wonderful loving husband, father, grandfather and friend touched so many lives around him. His family was his greatest earthly accomplishment and he knew that all his blessings came from Christ whom he served faithfully throughout his life. To all those he leaves behind you are so blessed to be able to share his faithful loving heart, his love of Christ with all those that surround you. Know that we will keep you held up in prayer and continue to ask that your hearts be filled with peace and that you all feel the presence of Christ surrounding you. Our sympathy in your loss and love in Christ to you all.
R. Dale and Amber L. Johnston
David Clark
July 30, 2013 @ 9:14 am
I’m praying for blessings of comfort for all of you. May the happy memories you have of Graham lift your spirits and live on in your hearts.
Peace be with you,
David Clark
Jan Dennis
July 30, 2013 @ 10:04 am
Dear Kathleen, Toney and Family,
Our sympathies on the loss of your father and friend. We offer our hope that time softens your grief and you find comfort in your memories.
Randall and Jan Dennis
Mike and Diana Pace
July 30, 2013 @ 10:31 am
Our sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Graham O’Neal. May God grant you with comfort and peace.
Valerie Goodin
July 30, 2013 @ 10:51 am
Dear Kathy & Toney,
Sending you the strength of friendship to see you through this time. I know how hard it is to lose a parent, and can only wish you the peace that comes with time, as loving memories replace the hollowness of loss.
Rita and Dan Roberson
July 30, 2013 @ 11:46 am
May God Bless.
Cirt Yancy
July 30, 2013 @ 11:54 am
Dear Mrs. O’neal and family,
We are grateful to have had a small place in a big life with you and the Mr.
Philip and Donna Bridges
July 30, 2013 @ 1:05 pm
We send you our deepest sympathy and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that Jesus will hold you close and give you comfort during this time.
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
July 30, 2013 @ 3:56 pm
You are all in our thoughts and prayers; he was such a kind man who did so much for others. He will be greatly missed! God bless and comfort you all.
Marvin Massey
July 30, 2013 @ 4:42 pm
Well done sir.
sharon Neathery
July 31, 2013 @ 7:33 pm
My thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort to the family of Graham O’Neal. He was a truly wonderful man and one who left a great legacy for his family and this community. God Bless all of you.
Kathy Frazier
July 31, 2013 @ 8:17 pm
Kathy and Toney,
My prayer for you and your family is for comfort and peace. And a special prayer for your sweet mom. I know you have many precious memories that fill your heart, and those will always be with you. May you feel the presence of God and his comforting embrace.
JULIE CHAPIN
July 31, 2013 @ 9:00 pm
My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. He was a wonderful man and pillar of the community. He will be missed and we are better for having known him.
Barbara (King) Williams
August 1, 2013 @ 12:31 pm
What a wonderful, giving and kind person your husband, father and grandfather was to so many. He will not be forgotten. May Jesus wrap His loving arms around each of you giving you comfort & peace through this difficult time. Know that you are in my thoughts & prayers. Barbara
Carl Biring & Family
August 2, 2013 @ 9:00 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melissa Jett
August 3, 2013 @ 9:42 am
Dr. O’Neal, Kathleen and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers. May God comfort you and give you peace.
John Tandy
August 3, 2013 @ 10:19 am
Connie and family, so sorry. Graham was such a wonderful man and such a good friend when I lived in West Plains. My heart goes out to you. Treasure the memories. –John Tandy, Jefferson City
Texas, Gail, Kay & Robert Dryden & families
August 4, 2013 @ 9:19 am
Over the span of years we offer our bond of friendship with you to celebrate a life well lived. That trumps everything else. Our love & prayers are with each & every one of you.
Texas Dryden & Family
Larry & Katie Rost
August 4, 2013 @ 11:58 am
Connie & family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We have very fond memories of you from our time in West Plains. May God comfort you.