Russell R. O'Neil

Russell R. O'Neil, age 83, of Norman, OK, formerly of Garnett, Kansas passed away April 22, 2010 at the Grace Living Center in Norman, Oklahoma. He was born on June 19, 1926 on the family farm in Black Jack outside of Wellsville, Kansas to Maurice and Iris O'Neil. Russ graduated from Wellsville High School in 1943 at the age of 16. He joined the United States Marine Corp Sept 1943. Upon completion of boot camp in San Diego, he was assigned to the Marine Air Corp as navigator, bombardier, and gunner on a Marine torpedo bomber plane. He saw action in the pacific in the battles of Peleliu and Okinawa. At the end of World War II he was transferred into Marine Intelligence and stationed in Manchuria China. His unit in China was responsible for processing and transporting Japanese POW's back to Japan. He was honorably discharged with rank of sergeant in May 1946. He returned to Kansas and attended the University of Kansas for one year. He then went to work for his father's farm implement dealership in Garnett, Kansas. There he met and married Eileen Marie Reiling in June 1948. He started his corporate career with New Holland Tractor and Implement Corporation in 1952. In 1955 he started his 36 year career with General Motors Corporation, Chevrolet Motor Division, Marketing Department. Russ was preceded in death by his parents and wife Eileen in 1999. He is survived by sons Steve and Randy, both of Oklahoma City, daughter Peggy Meader, son in law Craig Meader, granddaughters Paige and Payton, all of Waverly, Kansas; his sister Geraldine Barnes of Spokane, WA, many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors; especially the entire Thompson family, Norman, OK. Russ was an avid and accomplished golfer and played the game he loved up until his recent illness. It was a rare occasion if he did not drag any skin or greenie money from the pot at the end of the round. He will truly be missed by his golfing buddies at The Trails Country Club in Norman, and his Sunday group in Oklahoma City. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Family will greet friends following the funeral service. Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. at the Oakwood Cemetery in Baldwin City, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences to the family may be sent to www.feuerbornfuneral.com .