Obituary of Freddie Joe O’Neal

Freddie Joe O’Neal, age 80, of Moberly, MO, passed away surrounded by his daughter Joy, his grandkids and many friends on September 21, 2015 at his home. Fred was born on March 30, 1935 in Fayette, MO to Henry Edward O’Neal and Laura Pearl Grapes. In 1964 he moved to Kansas City, Mo and accepted a job as a small arms repairman as an army civilian, a position he held for more than 30 years. Fred was a member of the Army Reserves and National Guard. He won several awards and trophies at shooting competitions. He married Sharon Lea Kirkendoll on March 2, 1958 in Moberly, MO. He was a member of the Eagles for the past several years of his life. He was an avid hunter, licensed gun dealer and enjoyed being on the Army rifle and pistol teams. He loved riding on the open road on his Victory motorcycle. Fred was a loving husband, father and proud grandpa (papa). He always cherished his four grandchildren and they will miss him dearly. His family and friends will always remember him as a kind hearted man who lived life to the fullest. He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife and all of his siblings. Fred is survived by his children, Jeff O’Neal of Jefferson City, Mo and Joy O’Neal Detrick of Moberly, Mo; grandchildren, Matthew Lee Failing and Codee Alekzander Detrick both of Pleasant Valley, Mo and Brandee Ariel Nikkole Detrick and Braeden Anthony Detrick both of Moberly, Mo; three nephews, Dexter and Mary Harold of Huntsville, Mo, Gary and Sharon Harold of Macon, Mo and Burl and Dana Speiser of Lawson, Mo; two nieces, Ann Hayes of Higbee, Mo and Sheila Baker of Lathrop, Mo; friends from the Higee Senior Citizen Center, members of the Union meetings and all the gang at Bud’s Place. He always cherished your friendships. A memorial service celebrating Fred’s life has been scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2015 at 1:30 at Pathway Memorial Funeral Home in Moberly, Mo with full military honors and inurnment at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, Mo. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 4, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. If desired, donations may be sent to the Central Missouri Honor Flight, 1400 Forum Blvd., Ste. 38, Box 334, Columbia, MO 65203 or Hospice Compassus, 303 N. Missouri St., Ste. A, Macon, MO 63552 in Fred’s memory.