Obituary of Russ O'Neal

Russ O'Neal, 52, of Doniphan passed from this life on August 13, 2015, doing one of the things he loved most, kayaking down Current River. Russ was born in Springfield, MO, on April 12, 1963, to Bob and Elaine O'Neal. The family moved to Ripley County when he was six weeks old. He graduated from Doniphan High School in 1981 and attended college in Arkansas, earning a degree in electronic engineering. Russ married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn (Pepmiller) O'Neal on December 30, 1982. The couple moved back home the following year to be closer to family and start a family of their own. They were blessed with two children, Matthew and Sara. Russ made it a priority to raise his family in church and instill the Christian values he held so dear. He was an active member of the First Church of God of Doniphan. After a career in sales, he returned to college earning an Associate's Degree in Radiology and enjoyed many years of work in the Cardiac Cath Lab. Russ was very driven and exhibited a strong work ethic and always had a project in the works. He worked hard and played hard. Whether in his career, his family or his leisure pursuits, Russ applied himself with love and enthusiasm, with decency and energy, with intelligence and compassion. Russ loved spending time with his family. It became a routine for him to prepare weekly family dinners to allow for everyone to be together. Papa Russ enjoyed spending time with his grandboys, especially playing on the river, riding four-wheelers looking for deer, throwing rocks in "turtle creek", and driving them around in his favorite toy, a Ford Mustang convertible. They made frequent stops at Sonic for diet cherry-limeades - easy on the ice. Russ loved traveling to tropical locations. Whether it was the ocean or river, he loved to be near the water, soaking up the sun. He spent many enjoyable days at his cabin on the river, which he often referred to as his labor of love. God used Current River and the cabin to draw Russ closer to Him and give him peace. He had a deep faith and relied heavily on the Lord to meet his needs. While perfectly content spending time at his cabin, he dreamed of one day owning an island in the tropics next to his favorite singer Kenny Chesney. Russ was not one to blend in with a crowd, with his neon colored clothing and tennis shoes. He was well known for his contagious smile and entertaining sense of humor. He loved to give advice and was very opinionated, often using the phrase "Well, you may not want my opinion, but I'm gonna give it to you anyway." He went through life giving, not taking - doing, improving, suggesting and volunteering. Russ was a role model, a living example of how a Christian man in our society can lead a full, satisfying, and productive life. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; children, Matthew and Julie O'Neal, and Sara and Ryan Brown; "adopted son" Terry Slayton and family; four grandsons, Tyler and Zach O'Neal and Carter and Caden Brown; mother, Elaine O'Neal; brother, Kent O'Neal; father and mother in-law, Fred and Joyce Pepmiller; brothers and sisters in-law, Alan and Kathy Slayton and Roy and Sheila Pepmiller; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Bob O'Neal. Visitation for Russ O'Neal will be held Wednesday evening, August 19, from 5 - 8 p.m., with funeral services Thursday morning, August 20, at 10 a.m., all at the First Church of God of Doniphan. Bro. Roy Pepmiller and Bro. Larry Earl will be officiating. Burial service will follow at Paradise Acres on Current River and will conclude at Pratt Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Camp Sharon, c/o First Church of God, 506 Pine St., Doniphan, MO 63935.