Donald James O’Neill

Donald James O’Neill (born December 9, 1950) passed suddenly from this life and into the arms of his loving savior on October 5, 2021. Don was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, who was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Faye O’Neill and his baby brother, Robert. Don has temporarily left behind his wife of nearly 50 years, Terri Tyler O’Neill, his sons Shonn O’Neill and Kelly O’Neill (wife Alicia), his daughter Michele O’Neill, and his siblings Jackie (wife Bea), Mike (Dot), Steve (Deitra), Jerry (Shiela), Joe (Linda), and Theresa O’Neill. He was the best ‘Poppy’ this world has to offer to his grandchildren Reagan and Parker Will and Nicholas, Zoe, and Gianna O’Neill. Don also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and many devoted friends.

Don was born in Humble, Texas and stayed faithfully devoted to the same beautiful girl he first fell in love with at 17 years old at the Sadie Hawkins Dance at Humble High School. Like David, he was a ‘man after God’s own heart,’ who had a reputation for being as strong as steel but who would also write beautiful poetic reflections about the greatness of the God he served and his recognition of the many incredible blessings he had been given. His devotion to his Lord led Don on many small journeys to make life easier on his fellow man and the impacts of this service to others left a mark on this world that will forever leave it altered.

The legacy Don leaves behind is one of being a truly great and godly man, creating a mission field out of the ordinary trials and challenges of the people who crossed his path. He was always the first to show up and the last to leave when there was a person in need. The simplicity with which he lived, free from a dependence on earthy possessions, and the joy that grounded his soul were a result of his willingness to be man enough to cast aside his own plans and be guided by his Lord and master. Jeremiah 17:7-8 explains the impact of the kind of Christ-like manliness at the center of Don’s being: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Those who knew Don O’Neill will forever remain blessed to have rested beneath the shade of a man rooted in Christ and will strive to pass on his lesson of abiding in the Lord and walking in His Spirit so that we too might yield the fruit of godly character, Christ-like responses to the world around us, and a heart to bring good news to the lost by leading them to the living hope found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Don left a Jesus-sized hole in the hearts of his family and friends, but because the mark that he imprinted by a life well lived so perfectly matches the outlines of His merciful and loving savior, when Don is called to mind the people who knew him will find themselves drawn nearer to the source of his hope and the author of theirs. May Don’s poem “Do You Have Time for a Smile?” printed below serve as a reminder to us all that the time we take to bring hope to others in the little ways is what truly ushers in the Kingdom of God here on Earth.

“Do You Have Time for a Smile” by Donald J. O’Neill

My brother, do you have time for a smile
To encourage one, even if, but for awhile

My friend, do you have time for a smile
To encourage a brother to walk another mile

Today, do you have time for a smile
To rescue a soul adrift the waters of some river Nile

My friend, do you have time for a smile
To give your brother a glimmer of hope through every trial

For the love of God is seen in every smile
So today, do you have time for a smile, even if, but for awhile

A Celebration of Life will be held for Don O’Neill at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 2602 South Houston Ave in the chapel of the Rosewood Funeral Home in Humble, TX.