Orval Dean O'Neill passed away on October 17, 2019. He was born May 10, 1937 to James and Mildred (Wallingford) O'Neill. Dean lived with his parents and older brother Jimmie on the ranch in Western Todd County.
Dean attended country school at the Peterson country school in western Todd County and high school in Martin, graduating in 1955. He then received his 2-year degree in agriculture at South Dakota State College in Brookings, SD. He joined the army and was part of the marksmanship shooting team that competed around the country. He was a golden glove boxer like his brother and enjoyed playing softball in the summer with his brother and friends.
He met and married Judy Eitzen in Valentine, NE in July 1960. They lived on the family ranch/farm and raised their four children together. He attended the Vetal Presbyterian Church growing up and later attended the Tuthill and Martin Presbyterian church with his parents and family. He spent his life as an active member of the community and served on Lacreek Board of Electric, was on the Co-Op Board, and was a Todd County commissioner for many years.
Dean was known for his wit and charm, often playing practical jokes and telling stories. He enjoyed fishing, team roping and attending auctions and was never one to pass up a bargain. He spent his whole life on the family ranch working it for 69 years, valued hard work, and was an early riser, having coffee with his brother Jimmie or calling his family to check in early in the morning. All who knew him will miss his strength, wit, and charm.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents; brother Jimmie (Martha) O'Neill; and wife of 57 years Judy (Eitzen) O'Neill. Dean is survived by his children: Sandy (Ken) Lang of Gillette, WY, Tony O'Neill of Harrington, SD, Rick (Kari) O'Neill of Harrington and Bethany O'Neill of Seattle, WA. Granddaughters: Samantha, Alex, and Devon Lang and Tyler, Tanner, and Dali O’Neill.
Services were held October 23, 2019 at Lindsey Memorial Presbyterian Church in Martin with burial following at the Martin Community Cemetery with full military honors by the Bennett County American Legion Post #240.