Lawrence O'Neal

LAWRENCE E. O'NEAL, 76 ROCKFORD - Lawrence E. O'Neal, 76, of Rockford died at 12:55 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2011, in his home, after a battle with cancer. Born March 21, 1935, in Rockford to Edward L. and Ann (Kassen) O'Neal. Married Betty J. Williams on June 4, 1960, in Denver. He was in the U.S. Air Force and Civil Service for 31 years, serving in Korea and Vietnam. Former member of St. James Catholic Church. Lawrence was an avid birder, and loved to count eagles on the Mississippi river. He had an extensive rock and mineral collection from his time on vacation and military tours around the world. Numerous NASA collections, World War II memorabilia and was part of the first crew in the USAF missile program. He attended East High School and graduated from the Roosevelt Military Academy. Survivors include wife, Betty of Rockford; brother-in-law, George (Carolyn) Williams; niece, Lorena Williams and nephew, Allen Williams, all of Belvidere; nephew, Robert (Tobie) Williams of Alabama; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Service at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 19, at Julian-Poorman-Welte Funeral Home, 304 N. Fifth St., Rockford. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to a charity of your choice. Online guest register, maps and directions at weltefuneral.com.