Clifton O'Neal

Clifton E. O’Neal, 88, of Victoria passed away quietly Tuesday, November 1, 2016. He was born in 1928 in Hallettsville, Texas to the late Jessie Dee and Margaret Judd O’Neal. He was raised in Ezzell where he met and married Evangeline Lamza on April 25, 1949. He began his life as a farmer raising peanuts, tomatoes, watermelon and cotton. His first bale of cotton arrived at the cotton gin as the first bale of cotton for the county that year. After farming he began his life’s trade as a mechanic, opening a garage in Hallettsville. Later he and his family moved to Victoria where he perfected his skill and began a career at Dowell. He retired as trucking shop foreman. Clifton enjoyed country music and church picnics. He had a passion for ranching which he shared with his wife of 63 years.

Survivors include his daughter, Sharon Buske (Wayne) of Victoria; sons, Morris O’Neal (Linda) of Corpus Christi and Dale O’Neal (Linda) of Victoria; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Evangeline O’Neal in 2012.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Rosewood Funeral Chapels followed by a Rosary at 7 pm. Graveside services will be at 11 am Friday, November 4, 2016 at Salem Cemetery in Ezzell, with Rev. David Berger officiating.

Pallbearers will be Shawn Buske, Shane Buske, Dustin Cantwell, Cody Cantwell, Chris O’Neal and Randy Branecky. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Buske, Gilbert Venglar, Leroy Baca and all his friends at the Victoria Senior Citizens Center.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Vitale, Dr. Jain and all the staff at Twins Pines.

Memorials may be made the American Cancer Society.

Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.