Melvin Lewis O’neal, 80 years old of Jonben, WV went to meet his savior on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at the Beckley VA Medical Center following a long illness. He was born on February 12, 1938 in Bud, WV to the late Andrew Jackson O’neal and mother, Laura Elizabeth Mitchem. Melvin was born and raised in Bud, WV and lived there most of his life. He was married and divorced to the late Sandra Kay Workman-O’neal. Melvin was a Vietnam War Vet and served two years active duty as a PFC E3 in the United States Army. He worked as a union coalminer for 6-8 years, but retired from the city of Mullens, WV. He thoroughly enjoyed all things outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he enjoyed shooting guns. Some of his other hobbies include working on vehicles, pitching horseshoes, and he was well-known to play a mean game of cards. Melvin is survived by 3 children. A son, Ricky Lewis O’neal of Princeton, and two daughters, Vickie Lynn Tilley of Jonben, and Betty Louise Blanchard and husband Gene of Jonben. Six grandchildren, Augusta Blanchard of Midway, Amber Rozell and husband Joe of Midway, Samantha Smith and husband James of Crab Orchard, James Sparks and wife Amanda of Sophia, Kassandra Blanchard of New Richmond, and Linda Tilley of Itmann. Eleven great-grandchildren, Trevor Smith, Mykelle Wyatt, Candace Jarrell, Andrew Jarrell, Britanie Jarrell, Rachael Rozell, Allison Rozell, Zachary Smith, Christian Smith, Charity Smith, Fallyn Collins, and a great-great-grandson, Blaze Schneider. He is also survived by six siblings. Andrew O’neal Jr. and wife Mary, Lessie Lester and husband Carl, Robert O’neal, Bonnie Whitt and husband Fred, Betty Tilley and husband Kermit, and Larry O’neal. Melvin is also survived by a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Melvin is preceded in death by his divorced spouse, Sandra Kay Workman-O’neal, father Andrew Jackson O’neal, mother Laura Elizabeth Mitchem, a sister, Elizabeth O’neal, and a grand-daughter, Christina Dotson-Blanchard. A memorial service to honor the life of Melvin will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 6:00pm at Vision Freewill Baptist Church, located at 137 Roark Drive Coal City (Jonben), WV 25823. Officiating pastor will be Shane Roark. For more information call Samantha Smith at 304-575-8471.
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