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Dennis Patrick O'Neal of Tyler, TX died peacefully at home on March 7, 2023 after a battle with cancer, just short of his 77th birthday. Born in Brooklyn, NY just after the end of World War Il, he grew up near Oak Grove, LA and then attended Ambassador University in Pasadena, CA. He served the community as an ordained lay minister and worked as an Architectural Hardware Consultant at Sword Company in Tyler for four decades prior to retirement. He loved to talk about theology, shooting, US history, and science fiction, loved to sing, and loved to travel in the Western US. He is survived by his spouse of 54 years, Linda Mae (nee) Doucet, his son and daughter-in law, Patrick and Michelle (nee) Kellogg, and granddaughter Lena Evangeline O'Neal. A public memorial service will be held at Church of God Worldwide, 24345 CR 3107, Gladewater TX, on April 16 at 11 AM, followed by a private family luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Hospice of East Texas.
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Rodney Kellogg (1966)
I first met Pat O'Neal back in 1966 when I was a freshman at Ambassador College In Pasadena, California, and he was a Junior. There were many outstanding upper classmen to become acquainted with and learn from. However, Pat especially impressed me as having a purpose to every step he took in whatever project he was working on. We were acquaintances, but not close friends, but I highly respected his example!Two years passed and Pat graduated, He and Linda were married and on to their own place in the world.
Two years later, Vonda Garrett and I graduated and were married and took our place in the world.
Fast Forward 28 years!
Now our 2 daughters were attending Ambassador College in Big Sandy, TX.
Eldest daughter Karen had found her Beau, but younger daughter Michelle wasn't far behind!
Michelle let us know she was interested in a sharp guy named Patrick O'Neal! She was amazed to find out both her parents knew both his parents!
Vonda and I were extremely happy and relieved to know the family first hand and know the character of Pat and Linda from so many years earlier!
Now, about another 28 years.
I'm so pleased to have reconnected with Pat, the upperclassman I respected so much 56 years ago. Over the years we've enjoyed many occasions with Pat and Linda in our home and various restaurants.
We've all especially enjoyed and appreciated the presence of our shared Granddaughter, Evie!
We'll miss Pat at our next family get together, but we know his character will be there!
Rod &Vonda Kellogg
Robert Gentet (1957)
I meet Pat and his wife, Linda, for the first time at a restaurant in Tyler, TX, on September 2, 2021. We had a great visit. All too soon he was gone. One more friend made possible because of the GMF.