Early O'Neal

Early Carlton O’Neal Jr. was born June 22, 1922 to Vera Belle Bagley and Early O’Neal in Lampasas. He died January 23, 2015. Jr. is survived by his wife of 48 years, Margaret Kirby O’Neal, his daughter, Jina Kloe Kuker and her husband Don, his granddaughter, Tanya Zella, great-grandsons; Dillon and Hunter Zella, sister-in-law, Tommye Jean Corlew and husband Don, nieces; Julie Corlew, Betsy Wright and Sally Corlew and by special friends; Laurie Henderson, Janna Hammett and Julie Bucek. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Carlton and Charlotte Shelton O’Neal. At an early age, he began helping his dad and other ranchers in the area work cattle and drive them by horseback from ranch to ranch and to Lampasas to market. He graduated from Lampasas High School in 1942 and joined the Army Air Force. When Jr. returned home from service in 1945 he joined his dad in buying and trading livestock and began ranching. About 1963 he bought the Phillips 66 distributorship, which included the bulk plant that delivered fuel to many farmers and ranchers in the area and two full service stations; Avenue 66 and Circle 66. He was also an agent for Farm Bureau products for 36 years. Jr. enjoyed many trips to ropings and cutting horse events and in 1977 their horse, Calico was the National Paint Champion in cutting. Jr. retired in 2005 after many years of ranching and running O’Neal Oil Co. He loved ranching and visiting with friends. A graveside service for Jr. O’Neal will be held Tuesday January 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lampasas. Memorials can be made to the charity of one's choice. Sneed Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements