Howard Eugene O'Neil

Howard Eugene O'Neil was born on November 23, 1931 in East St. Louis, Illinois. After graduating high school, Howard proudly served his country in the Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Korean War. During his final year of military service, Howard was the drummer for the nationally acclaimed United States Marine Band. Returning home, Howard met the love of his life Barbara Anderson and married on October 8, 1955. Howard and Barbara were blessed with four children, Pamela, Jeffrey, Douglas and Elizabeth.

Howard was Branch Manager for Commercial Credit Equipment Corporation until he embarked as an entrepreneur. Howard started his first business by purchasing Cox Standard Service Station in 1979, which is the ongoing family business to this day. Howard went on to own and operate (3) more Amoco stations in addition to a Goodyear Tire Store. Howard also partnered with his daughter Pamela to open Rustler's Bar B Q in Independence, MO. Until his retirement, Howard continued to work at his Cox Standard Service Station where you would find him sharing stories and laughs with the neighborhood clientele.

Howard's greatest legacy was his devoted love to his family. Howard always strived to provide above and beyond for his family and proudly expressed how much his family meant to him.

Howard is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Pamela, son in law Marshall Gilworth, grandson Christopher Dye and wife Jessica, great granddaughters Taylor, Madison and Blakely Jean, granddaughter Sara Dye and fiance Scott Hunt, son Jeffrey, daughter in law Rhonda (deceased) , granddaughter Rachel Dake and husband Dustin, great granddaughter Ella, granddaughter Hannah Keele and husband Stephen, son Douglas, daughter Elizabeth, son in law Leonard McCloud, grandson Joel McCloud, wife Kristin and great granddaughter Penelope, granddaughter Danielle McCloud and partner Kenneth Mitchell and granddaughter Madison McCloud. Howard is also survived by his youngest brother Raymond O'Neil and wife Cheryl.

Howard's family would like to express their gratitude to the many caregivers who unselfishly gave of their time to care for Howard in his final months, especially Asana Hospice and Pallative Care.

Howard will be laid to rest at the Higginsville Veterans Cemetery with a military service and "Celebration of Life" planned for October, 2018 on the 63rd anniversary of Howard and Barbara's marriage.

"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day...unseen, unheard, yet always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear. We love you Dad/Grandpa. You will forever live in our hearts."