Wayne Carter O’Neal, of Lewiston, MI, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2024. He was 96 years old.
Born on December 2, 1927, in Manchester, Iowa to Carter Wayne O’Neal and Lavon (Baker) O’Neal, Wayne spent his childhood years on the move with his parents and brother Jerreldean “Jerry”; their place of residence ever-changing as his father was a carpenter by trade and the family moved frequently to where work could be found. Developing a strong work ethic like his father, Wayne left school in 9th grade to pursue work to support his family. He held a multitude of jobs during his career including construction and carpentry, but his longest span of work was as a plant engineer at the then-named Annapolis and Seaway Hospitals in Southeast Michigan.
In 1946, he married Virginia Ethel Caroen, and their family grew with the birth of two children, Colleen Lavon O’Neal and Wayne Carter O’Neal, Jr. In 1968, he became the proud grandfather to his only grandchild, Scott Lee Colf. He later had a second marriage with Lillian Geraldine “Geri” O’Neal.
Wayne had a long working career but was also awarded an equally long retirement. In his early years of retirement, he enjoyed taking cross-country vacations in his pickup camper, hunting, downhill skiing and dirt bike riding with his grandson, Scott. At the age of 87, he embarked on a new adventure in life, bachelorhood. He had always had a passion for antique cars and found great enjoyment in attending car shows during the summer months with his very recognizable Chevy pickup and BSA motorcycle. Unlike most retirees, he did not flee the brutal Michigan winters but instead preferred to stay close to home, sitting by his wood stove enjoying the wildlife just outside his window. He also loved to show off his shuffleboard skills at the local Moose Lodge in Lewiston.
While Wayne never left the United States, he had lived, worked, or traveled through every corner of the country. Just mention a town and he could tell you a story. He was a strong-minded individual and relished engaging in debate on any topic if he was able to find another willing individual to partake. He will be dearly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Wayne is preceded in death by his daughter, Colleen, his son, Wayne Jr. and his grandson, Scott and is survived by his granddaughter-in-law, Denice Erley.
A private gathering to celebrate Wayne’s life is forthcoming.
