Mr. Thomas O'Neal

Thomas B. O'Neal August 11, 1925 - August 23, 2012 On Thursday, August 23, 2012 surrounded by his family, Thomas Burad O'Neal, Sr. was called from earth to heaven's reward at the age of 87. Thomas is the last of the Pryor-O'Neal children out of seven. Thomas was born in Gregory, Arkansas on August 11, 1925 to the late Enous O'Neal and Cordelia (Stegall) O'Neal. He grew up in Gregory, Arkansas where he attended and graduated from Gregory High School. After graduation, he served in World War II where he was awarded the Victory Medal. After his honorable discharge, Thomas went on to trade school where he completed his studies in agriculture. Thomas confessed his belief in Christ at an early age and became a faithful member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, in Gregory, Arkansas. He later became a member of Community A.M.E. Church in La Porte, Indiana where he served as a Trustee. On June 2, 1951, in Augusta, Arkansas, Thomas was united in holy matrimony to the late Elsie Lee Dinwiddie O'Neal. To this union 11 children were born. He and his wife lived in Gregory, Arkansas until 1967 when he moved his family to La Porte, Indiana for employment at Teledyne Casting Service. He worked at Teledyne until his retirement in 1990. During his leisure time, he enjoyed working in his yard, playing the piano for his children, and spending time with his grand and great-grandchildren. Thomas leaves to cherish his memory 10 children: Granvile (Pameliah) O'Neal of Kansas City, Kansas; Ella (Edward) Fobbs of Augusta, Arkansas; Thomas Jr. (Glendell) O'Neal of La Porte, Indiana; Kal O'Neal of La Porte, Indiana; Linda (Alfred) Hall of Trail Creek, Indiana; Vickie O'Neal of La Porte, Indiana; Patricia (Alvin) Rallings of LaPorte, Indiana; Terry (Nichele) O'Neal of Kingsbury, Indiana; Phillip (Denise) O'Neal of LaPorte, Indiana, and Barbara (Harrison) Russell of La Porte, Indiana; 23 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren. He also leaves 8 godchildren; Bishop John L. Brown, Sr., Maggie Walker, Rev. Robert Brown, Sr., Larry Brown, Debra Brown, Betty Brown, and Gladis Person all of Kansas City, Donald Hall of La Porte, Indiana, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, daughter, Janice Boyd; 4 brothers; Cecil Pryor, Sr., Oliver Pryor, Willie B. O'Neal, and Alvin O'Neal, and 2 sisters; Idell Williams and Georgia O'Neal. Arrangements are being handled by Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN where the family will receive friends Friday, August 31, 2012 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm & at the Life Temple C.O.G.I.C. 3709 West US Highway 20 Michigan City, IN. on Saturday, September 1, 2012 from 10:00 am, until time of service. The service will be held at the Life Temple Church, Saturday September 1, 2012 at 11:00 am with Bishop John L. Brown, officiating. Interment will follow at the Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Christian Center, P.O. Box 1415, La Porte, IN. 46352. Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. Thomas B. O'Neal please visit our Sympathy Store.