Louis Donald O’Neal passed peacefully at Nanticoke TidalHealth on March 20, 2025. He was born July 25, 1937, on the family farm, an only child of the late Manning & Geneva O’Neal of Laurel,
Louis graduated from Laurel High School class of ’55. In 1959, he married Shirley Warrington O’Neal. They just celebrated their 65th Anniversary in September 2024.
Louis worked on the family farm with his father, growing multiple crops and raising pigs and chickens. He received the National Pork Farmer All-American Award in 1977. He served for eight years in the National Guards. He received the State of Delaware Medal of Valor for his part in the Storm of 1962. He was a Dale Carnegie graduate and a charter member of the First State Antique Tractor Club. Louis accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1959. He taught Sunday School, sang in churches and Carey’s Camp. He has been a chartered member, served and worshiped at Central Worship Center (formerly Epworth Fellowship Church) for over 52 years. He was known for his smile, cheerful singing, and Loui-isms (words of wisdom).
In 1989, Louis and Shirley built O’Neal’s Antiques. At age 52, Louis became a Gemological Institute of America Diamond graduate. He also studied gems and gold smithing. Through the years of Antiquing, Louis inquired a collection of collections which he proudly displayed in his “tractor barn” on the farm. He enjoyed participating in tractor pulling for 10 years. On his 70th birthday, he won the Cecil County Fair Grounds tractor pull championship.
Louis is survived by his wife and business partner, Shirley O’Neal; his three daughters, Phyllis Wheatley (Brian); Gwyn Vannicola (William); Maurica Kinnikin (Richard); his grandchildren Gabrielle Macy (Matt), Michael Wheatley, Jacob Vannicola (Emily), Amanda Hawkey (Sean), Mackenzie Mohorovic (Denny), Bailey Mason (Scott), Casey Kinnikin and Luke Kinnikin; and also, five great grandchildren, Sophia Hawkey, Quinn Macy, Avery Vannicola, Oliver Hawkey, Lucy Mason.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 29 at Central Worship Center in Laurel at 1 p.m., a viewing will be held from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. prior to the service. Pastor Timothy Dukes will officiate. Interment will be held after the funeral. There will be a dinner provided at Central Worship Center following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Central Worship Center, 14545 Sycamore Road, Laurel, DE 19956.
Our family would like to sincerely thank the EMTS, Nanticoke TidalHealth, Vitas Hospice, Dr. Claraval and wonderful caregivers for your kindness and gentle care you provided during Louis’ last days. Also, thank you to all our family and friends for your prayers and support over this past year.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.