Gary "Jim" Lynn ONeal's Obituary
Gary (Jim) Lynn Oneal, 81 a lifelong resident of Fredonia, died Saturday, August 5, 2023. He was.
born December 19, 1941, in Neodesha, KS to Carl and Edna Oneal.
Jim was a 1960 graduate of Fredonia High School and went on to attend Wichita Technical
School. He put the skills he learned to use as he served his country while in the army. He served
a tour in Vietnam from January of 1966 to October of 1967 and worked in communications
repairing radios.
Jim worked for Lester Stryker on the ranch north of town before moving on to Del Rey in
Fredonia building campers, where he worked for several years. Jim joined his parents and
brother Jerry and sister-in-law Susie when they purchased their own land to farm and raise
cattle. Farm life filled his days, but he did begin working at Fredonia Sale Barn part-time.
Eventually, Jim retired and worked exclusively on the family farm.
Besides working with his family, Jim had several other passions. He loved owning and driving
some of the best sports cars of the 1970’s and 80’s including a Silver Anniversary Trans Am that
his nephew drove to prom in 1982 and a Ford Thunderbird before finally moving on to a truck.
Right along with his love of a nice car was his love of music. His collection included artists
ranging from the Rolling Stones, Neil Diamond, Salt and Pepa, to Patsy Cline.
One of his favorite ways to spend time with the family was attending basketball games at
Hutchinson Community College then going to the Big Eight Tournament in Kansas City. It would
be remiss to not mention his rabid devotion to Kansas University basketball and the Kansas City
Chiefs. His support was loud and a test to his arm chair’s quality!
Jim loved celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks. He began the family tradition when he
ordered the very first fireworks via a catalog, and that tradition continued every year until local
sellers set up tents. Jim was always good for a nice donation towards the cause. The last few
years he no longer lit the fireworks himself, but he was always right in the middle of the stack
deciding which one was going to be next and adding commentary on how well the “show” was
going.
Jim’s survivors include his brother Jack (Elaine) Oneal of Seattle, sister-in-law Susie Oneal,
nephews Terry Oneal and Chad (Tosha) Oneal, nieces Sheri (Edward) Moya, and Kelly Oneal,
niece-in-law Lori Oneal, great nieces and nephews Lindsey Ramos-Freitas, Zachary Moya,
Brenna Moya, Connor Oneal, Brayden Oneal, and Ashton Oneal.
He was preceded in death by his parents, aunt Emma Klassen, brother Jerry Oneal, and nephew
Ryan Oneal.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023, from 5-7 PM at Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia. A private graveside service will be held at Fredonia City Cemetery at a later date. Memorials have been suggested to the Fredonia Flag Fund or the Avenue of Flags and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com. Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736
What’s your fondest memory of Gary "Jim"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gary "Jim"?
Share a story where Gary "Jim"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gary "Jim" you’ll never forget.
How did Gary "Jim" make you smile?
