Richard O'Neal Jr.

Richard O'Neal, Jr. Gary [1429393.jpg] Richard O'Neal, Jr., age 72 of Gary, Indiana died late Monday evening, May 31, 2004 in Methodist Hospital in Gary, Indiana after an extended illness. Mr. O'Neal was born on August 24, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Richard and Mary (Maddox) O'Neal, Sr. On July 23, 1955 in Gary, Indiana, he married his loving wife of 48 years the former Alyce M. Jackson, who survives. He leaves behind his loving daughter, Stephanie (Andre) Rutledge of Lithonia, Georgia. One loving sister, Grace (James) Coles of Miller, Indiana. Other survivors include his loving grandchildren, Brittany and Alex Rutledge both of whom are of Lithonia, Georgia and several nieces and nephews. Mr. O'Neal had been employed with Inland Steel for several years and had worked with the Gary School System. From 1978 until his retirement in 1998, he was self-employed in trucking and transportation. He had proudly served his country during the Korean War in the United States Army. He was also a faithful member of Saint Timothy Community Church in Gary, Indiana where he was a member of the August Birthday Group and a member of the King Solomon Masonic Lodge as a Master Mason. Funeral services will be offered in celebration of the life of Richard O'Neal, Jr. on Monday, June 7, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. in Saint Timothy Community Church, 1600 West 25th Avenue, Gary, Indiana with Reverend Dr. Robert Lowery and the Reverend Dr. Alfred Johnson officiating. Interment services will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Hobart, Indiana. The family will receive guests the morning of the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the church. Memorial contributions may be made on behalf of Mr. O'Neal to the donor's choice. Richard will be deeply missed by his loving and devoted family and many friends. May God grant him eternal rest. Arrangements by Ridgelawn Funeral Home, 219-980-5555.