Thomas G. O'Neal Sr., 75

CECILTON, Md. - Thomas G. O'Neal Sr. of Cecilton died Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, in Abbey Manor, Elkton, with family present. He was 75.

Mr. O'Neal was born March 29, 1932, in Earleville, son of the late Clarence Albert O'Neal Sr. and Mary (Newnam) O'Neal.

He served from 1953 to 1955 with the U.S. Army in the Medical Corps.

He was a lifetime resident of lower Cecil County, where he had worked as an equipment operator for the Maryland State Highway Administration for 32 years, retiring in 1984. He continued to work for Biggs Texaco in Cecilton.

Mr. O'Neal was in his 60th year of membership with the Cecilton Volunteer Fire Co., where he held numerous line and administrative offices including assistant chief, more than 20 years as chief engineer, financial secretary and 20 years on the board of directors. He participated each year with the annual carnival, where he was parade chairman. A vital part of the growth of the fire company, he could be found on every new-truck committee and construction project.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, C. Albert O'Neal Jr.; and a sister, Charlotte Pleasanton.

He is survived by two sons and two daughters-in-law, T. George Jr. and Carolee O'Neal of Dover, Del., and Charles and Leta O'Neal of Earleville; a daughter and a son-in-law, Debbie and Robbie Fogwell of Galena; his companion, Roberta Biggs of Cecilton; a brother, Donnie O'Neal of Clayton, Del.; two sisters, Maxine Dunning of Clayton and Peggy Zehring of Dover; six grandchildren, Lee O'Neal, Lora O'Neal, Krista Batchelor, Amanda O'Neal, Becky Ramos and Jennifer Fogwell; and three great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, 118 W. Cross St., Galena.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home.

Burial will be in Galena Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Cecilton Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box 565, Cecilton, MD 21913.