Leroy E. O'Neil

LeRoy E. O'Neil, age 92, died with dignity and in peace on June 2, 2021, under the care of the compassionate staff at the Sunflower Memory Care Unit of the VA Medical Center at Topeka.

Roy was born September 20, 1928 to Howard E. and Elizabeth O'Neil in Atchison, KS. He remained in Atchison until early adulthood. He served his country in the Korean War with the United States Army and returned to Kansas in 1952. Shortly thereafter he met the love of his life, Rosemary Ross, whom he married in 1954.

Roy and Rosemary spent the early years of their marriage in Bonner Springs, KS, Louisville, KY, and Madison, WV, welcoming four sons along the way, before settling in Topeka, KS in 1964. Among the employers for whom Roy worked he spent the most time at Ed Marling's Furniture and Laird Noller Ford. Roy was active in local civic activities including the Chesney Park Neighborhood Improvement Association, the Topeka Turnaround Team, the Washburn/Lane Parkway Project and the Great Mural Wall. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, sister Dorothy Moore, and his son David Patrick O'Neil. He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Rosemary, and sons Michael, Steven (Stephanie), and Timothy. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of his Life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at Penwell-Gabel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS. The family will greet friends following the service until 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church 725 SW Buchanan, Topeka, KS, 66606.

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