Eugene Riley O'Neal

Eugene (Gene) Riley O’Neal Eugene (Gene) Riley O’Neal, born June 18, 1927, in Roswell, NM, to Aaron R. O’Neal and Viola Wilson O’Neal. Gene passed peacefully from this earth on August 31, 2007 in Georgetown, TX. He was 80 years old. Gene graduated from Roswell High School in 1945. Immediately after graduation, he joined the Navy to join in the war effort in World War II. After his honorable discharge in 1946, he entered college at Texas A&I at Kingsville, TX, earning his degree, with honors, with a Bachelor of Arts in Agriculture. While obtaining his degree from A&I, he played football for the Javalinas, and was a member of Alphi Chi. In 1951 he married Doris Jean Thompson of Raymondville. Gene taught agriculture and coached football at the high school level in Roswell, NM. He then moved to Raymondville, TX, and operated his own business. Gene and Doris lived in Raymondville for the next 47 years, she teaching school, he building his business. Gene eventually became well known throughout the Rio Grande Valley for his expertise in automobile air conditioners, and later, air conditioners on tractors, combines, and other farms equipment. He put both kids through high school and college while in Raymondville and was well thought of in the community, and active in school, church and athletic booster programs. In 2000, Gene and Doris moved to Georgetown. After retiring, Gene and Doris spent their next fifteen summers as camphosts at Lake Irwin, Colorado. Gene touched the lives of many, many campers with his friendly and lively banter, yarns and stories, and historical tales of the area. He had many “friends in law”, as he called them, campers from coast to coast and around the world that returned to Lake Irwin year after year, due, in no small part, to the lively and friendly camp host. So much a part of this community, he was invited to community functions by the year round residents of the area, giving him the unofficial title of “Mayor of Lake Irwin”. Gene was an active member of the Church of Christ for over 50 years. Preceding him in death were his parents as well as his two brothers, Arthur O’Neal and Earl O’Neal. Gene is survived by his wife of 56 years Doris O’Neal, two sons and their spouses, Brian and Pam O’Neal, and Mike and Dana O’Neal. He leaves five grandchildren, Summer Joy O’Neal, Auburn Dawn (O’Neal) Spicer, Taffeta Chime O’Neal, Shauna O’Neal, and Riley O’Neal. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 8, at 11:00 A.M., at the gazebo at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, TX. All family and friends are invited to celebrate his life by sharing in this memorial service and enjoying in the picnic. Please bring you stories to this celebration. Gene’s body will be donated for science research to the Life Legacy Foundation. His ashes will be scattered in the Colorado mountains near Lake Irwin that he loved so much. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make any donations you feel appropriate to the Georgetown Church of Christ or to the charity of your choice.