Eldon Foss O'Neill, 78, of Sedalia, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013, at Katy Manor Nursing Home in Pilot Grove.

He was born June 22, 1935, in Beaman, son of Henry Foss and Mary Grimes O'Neill. On April 3, 1959, in Sedalia, he married Wynona V. King, who survives.

He graduated from Smithton High School in 1953 and later from Columbia College.  Mr. O'Neill retired from the National Guard after 42 years, earning the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed farming on the land where he was born and raised. He was a member of East Sedalia Baptist Church and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He loved music, travelling, and sports, especially football.  His favorite teams were the Smithton Tigers, Missouri Tigers, and Kansas City Chiefs. He also loved watching his grandchildren play sports.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two children, Patrick O'Neill, of Sedalia, and Mary Libby (Shawn), of Linn Creek; four grandchildren, Christian (Kerrington) Libby of Burnet, TX, Derek Libby of St. Joseph, Chelsi Libby of Columbia and Branden O'Neill of Sedalia; one great-grandchild, Hayleigh Libby of Burnet, TX; three sisters, Virginia Anderson, of Sedalia, Lois Hart, of Oskaloosa, KS, and Nina Lorene Kunkel, of Columbia, S.C, one sister-in law, Cheryl Hayes of Springfield, MO, and several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Esther Taylor; and a brother, Robert, in infancy.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 28, at Heckart Funeral Home, with Pastor Viola Rhoads officiating.

Casket bearers will be Christian Libby, Derek Libby, Branden O'Neill, Paul Anderson, Gene Anderson, David Taylor, John Hart and Bruce Kunkel.

Honorary bearers will be C.H. Williams, Ted Williams, Tom Grimes, Wayne Rhoads, Vern Bohling, David Bergman and Bob Kunkel.

Burial with military honors will be in Salem Cemetery.

Friends may call after 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Heckart Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday.

Memorial contributions are suggested to East Sedalia Baptist Church.

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