Wilfred O'Neill

Wilfred O' Neill Resident of Pleasant Hill Wilfred O'Neill, 88, of Wichita Falls, Texas, loving husband, father, grandfather and beloved friend of many, passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 in his home surrounded by his family. The memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2012, at the Martinez Masonic Hall, 700 Masonic Street, Martinez with John Beringer, Past Master of Lodge #41 officiating. Mr. O'Neill, son of the late Emma (Mohring) and William Francis O'Neill of Pinole, California, was born on June 24, 1923, in Berkeley, California. In 1941, he graduated from Richmond High School. He later attended University of Wisconsin, Diablo Valley College and University of California Berkeley. Mr. O'Neill joined the United States Navy and served during WWII and the Korean Conflict assigned to Intelligence. Upon his return to Martinez, California, he began working for the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department. Then he met his future wife, Faye Elliott. On September 5, 1948, they were married at the First Baptist Church in Martinez. During his 32 years with the county, Mr. O'Neill served as a Deputy Sheriff and Clerk Department Assistant Master Calendar Clerk before becoming the first appointed Court Administrator and Jury Commissioner. After retiring from Contra Costa County, he became a private investigator specializing in fiduciary work. Mr. and Mrs. O'Neill spent the majority of their lives together in California before relocating to Wichita Falls, Texas in 2006 to be close to family. Mr. O'Neill was also preceded in death by his sister, Geraldine O'Neill Hall. Mr. O'Neill was a Master Mason of Lodge #41 in Martinez and became the Worshipful Master in 1969. He was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star #234 in Martinez, serving as Worthy Patron three times. In addition, Mr. O'Neill was a member of the Scottish Rite and became a Shriner, where he served for ten years as Chaplain and later was honored with the title of Chaplain Emeritus. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Faye, of Wichita Falls; daughter Valerie O'Neill Rhone and husband, Larry, of Henrietta, Texas; son Timothy O'Neill Of Alsea, Oregon; grandchildren; Amy Studer and husband Bryan, of Wolfforth, Texas; Paula Kisinger of Seymour, Texas, Edward Kisinger and wife, Julie, of Savannah, Texas; Kylee O'Neill and Teeghan O'Neill both of Alsea, Oregon. Mr. O'Neill took great pleasure in boasting of his 8 great grandchildren all living in Texas. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews in California. For those desiring, memorial contribution may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital, or hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, TX 76310.