Obituary of Homer Leslie O'Neal, Sr.

Homer L. O'Neal, Sr., beloved husband, and father, passed away on May 22, 2024, at St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima Ohio after a brief illness. He was born on May 12, 1932, in Greenwood, Mississippi to the late Theodore Roosevelt O'Neal, and Leona (Dollison) O'Neal.

Homer was the husband of Jacqueline (Singleton) O'Neal whom he married on August 29, 1955.  Homer was a devoted father to his eight children, with one, Monica, whom he had a special bond with.  She was born with Cerebral Palsy, and Homer and Jacqueline have taken care of her for 66 years until his illness. Homer's love for his family was evident throughout his life.

Homer attended Lima South High School where upon graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force stationed at Shaw AF Base in Sumter, South Carolina. Here he met and married his wife, Jacqueline Singleton. He served during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in December,1955. Following his military service they moved to Muncie, Indiana to start their family before finally settling permanently in Lima.  Homer began his career, first with the Ford Motor Company, Westinghouse, and then Dana Corporation where he was a trailblazer in breaking barriers as one of the company's first employees as well as the first African-American Supervisor. Homer dedicated 31 years of his life with Dana before retiring in 2001.

Throughout his life, Homer exemplified hard work, determination, and resilience. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and commitment to his family. He thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years spent with his family and watching his beloved western movies with the horses always being his favorite part.

Homer leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 69 years, Jacqueline O'Neal of Lima. His children Homer L. O'Neal, Jr. and his son Brian, Monica O'Neal, Denise Richardson and her children, Devron, Derek and Dennis, Jerome (Sherri) O'Neal and their children Lindsay, Jaden and Sheridan, all of Lima, Gregory (Alana) O'Neal, and their children Vaughn and Javanna of Phoenix, Arizona, Timothy (LaKissha) O'Neal and their children, Monica, Christian, Tylan, and TyLeah of Columbus, Ohio Paula (Warren) Gwinn and their children, Meghan and Julian of Centerville, Ohio. Homer also leaves behind a bonus granddaughter Patience Logan, 17 great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Homer was preceded in death by his brother George Washington, Jr., and his son, Ronald G O'Neal.

Services will be on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Second Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Dennis Ward officiating.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 PM.  Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Services entrusted to: JONES-CLARK FUNERAL HOME, INC.

To order flowers and to offer condolences to the O'NEAL Family visit www.jonesclarkfuneralhome.com