Henry Paul O’Neal


Henry Paul O’Neal
September 23, 1928 – July 17, 2019

Henry Paul O’Neal, 90, of Bryan, passed away July 17, 2019, in Bryan. He was reunited with his loving wife, Rosemary Jane O’Neal, who passed away just a few months ago. A Masonic Graveside Service (All Masonic Members are welcome to participate in this service) will begin at 10 am, Saturday, July 20, 2019, in Bryan City Cemetery. Funeral Memorial Service will begin at 11 am, Saturday, July 20, 2019, at First Christian Church, 600 Ennis Street, Bryan, with Pastor Jesse Myers officiating. Services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Centers, Bryan-College Station.

Henry was born in the Lawrence Community near Terrell, Texas in Kaufman County to Tina Texie and Henry Jackson “Jack” O’Neal on September 23, 1928.

He was a graduate of Terrell High School and Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering Degrees in Agricultural Engineering. He was Company Commander of B Company Infantry in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M.

Henry met his wife Rosemary on a blind date and five months later the two were married in Bryan at the First Christian Church on May 12, 1951. Rosemary and Henry moved to Marlin in 1952, and lived there for four years while Henry worked as a Falls County engineer. Within the next three years they were blessed with two beautiful children, Patricia Anne and William David. Henry was very proud of his children and all of their accomplishments. In time, he became lovingly know as “Papa” to seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Some of the grandchildren’s favorite memories are the many trips they made in Papa’s little pick-up truck to Shipley’s for doughnut holes and Dairy Queen for Blizzards.

Henry retired from Texas AgriLife Extension at Texas A&M University (formerly, the Texas Agricultural Extension Service) with the title of Extension Agricultural Engineer Emeritus.

He was a Colonel, Army of the United States-Retired and a Past President, Brazos Valley Chapter, Military Officers Association of America and a member of the Reserve Officers Association.

A member of the Masonic Lodge for over 60 years, O’Neal was a Past Master, Brazos Union Lodge No. 129; Past Master; Sul Ross No. 1300/ Member, Marlin Lodge No. 152; Past District Deputy Grand Master, Masonic District 29-B, Grand Lodge of Texas Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; 33rd Degree and Inspector General Honorary, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, member, W. T. Austin Chapter, No. 87, W. T. Austin Council No. 52, and Ivanhoe Commandery No 8, Your Rite of Freemasonry; member Ascension Conclave, Red Cress of Constantine; member, Star Chamber Council No. 298, Allied Masonic Degrees: member, Ancient and Accepted Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Past President, Brazos Valley chapter No. 378, National Sojourners; Past Commander, Sul Ross Camp, Heroes of ’76; Past President, Steve Cooke Scottish Rite Club; and Past President, Brazos Valley Shrine Club.
As a member of the First Christian Church of Bryan/College Station he served as Chairman of the Board, Deacon, Elder and Elder Emeritus. He and Rosemary had many fond memories of the many years they spent there.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Rosemary Dishman O’Neal, his parents, and an infant brother.

Survivors include his daughter Patricia O’Neal of Nederland, TX; his son and daughter-in-law David and Susan O’Neal of Bryan, TX; granddaughter Lori Bell and husband Clint of Nederland; granddaughter Allison Mitcham and husband Jerry of Nederland; granddaughter Erin Guidroz and husband Jason of Orangefield; grandson Dustin O’Neal and wife Sarah of Tomball; granddaughter Lindsey Lindley and husband Carson of Fort Worth; grandson Austin O’Neal of Austin; and granddaughter Mackenzie O’Neal of Bryan and great-grandchildren Ryan, Dylan, Wilson and Peyton Bell; Sawyer Mitcham; Emma and Jackson Humplik, Jeslyn, Colt and Beau Guidroz and Bailey Thompson; Grace, Josie and Wesley O’Neal; Harper Lindley.

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Bryan/College Station, 900 South Ennis, Bryan, TX 77803.

Condolences

  1. I have very fond memories of Brother Henry from my time at College Station, Texas and Sul Ross Lodge #1300. His kind and gentle demeanor have always been my fondest memories. I will strive to be the gentlemen he was. God bless Brother Henry and comfort to his family at this time.

  2. I have fond memories of Henry from working with him many years ago with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Ag. Engineering Bldg. He was always very kind to me. My prayers go out to your family.

  3. I was sorry to learn of Henry’s passing. He was a wonderful person, friend and co-worker. It was my privilege to know and work with Henry in his extension agricultural engineer position at TAMU over a several year period. We traveled together many times when working with aerial applicators to improve their application practices and equipment. Henry was well respected by all the ag aviation pilots and aerial applicator business owners in Texas and even traveled out of state at times to conduct aerial application clinics. He was a good christian and a gentleman in every respect. My prayers and condolences to his loved ones.

  4. Thinking of Mr. O’Neal brings fond memories of my early career as a reporter and editor with Texas A&M AgriLife. We worked together on several photo shoots and bulletins and he was always so congenial and patient in explaining technology. Henry was ahead of his time in the research of biofuels–how well I remember the tour and interview he gave at a “distillery” on the west campus. I was unable to attend the memorial service but his family was in my thoughts. My deepest condolences for your loss.

  5. Outstanding person and talented ag engineer, whom I came to know and appreciate as a co-worker and ultimately a patient supervisor who imparted wisdom freely. Rest In Peace, Mr. O’Neal.

  6. So sorry to learn that Henry had died. Also I had not known that Rosemary had passed away a few months earlier. Rosemary was my third cousin and I was in the class of ’50 with Henry. Rosemary and her mother Ruby Dishman invited me into their home for meals and fellowship while I was at A&M especially when I was a freshman. I got to witness Rosemary’s and Henry’s wedding and attend their 50th wedding anniversary celebration. A great loss of two wonderful people. Jim & Billie Morrow

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