Don O'Neal, 66, of Great Mills, MD died August 18, 2009 at home in the presence of his family.

Born in Zittlestown, MD on June 23, 1943, he was the son of Fred and Margaret O'Neal and grew up in Boonsboro, MD. He graduated from Boonsboro High School and Frostburg College before beginning a 37-year career with the St. Mary's Public School System. With the St. Mary's County Public School System he held numerous positions at all three high schools and at central offices including mathematics teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, and testing coordinator. His legacy includes not only his students, but institutional improvements including vocational education and career centers.

In addition to education, Don was tireless in his support of teacher and community organizations. He served as the President of the Education Association of St. Mary's County in the early 1970s. More recently he served as President of St. Mary's County Public Schools Retirees Association. He was the Regional Director for Charles, Calvert and St. Mary's Counties for Maryland State Retired Public School Personnel. He also supported throughout his life the Optimist Club and The Lions Club. He was also active in County government and politics through his roles with the Republican Party, including President of the Republican Central Committee. He was a member of the St. Mary's County Board of Elections.

Though passionate about these roles, nothing occupied his heart more than his family. Don is survived by his wife of 37 years, Vicki Jean, his son, Kristofor Todd, Kristofor's wife Melissa Parker, and their two sons, Caleb Parker and Beckett Henry, and his son Michael Keith and his wife Stephanie Gavilan, and their two sons, Matthew Gavilan and Jack Liam. Don is also survived by his 4 brothers and sisters, Fred Junior and John Charles and Myrtle Virginia Snow and Patricia O'Neal Pattison. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Margaret.

Family will receive friends for Don's Life Celebration on Thursday, August 20, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD. A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 21, 2009 at the St. Paul's Methodist Church, , 22550 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown, MD at 11:00 a.m. Don will be interred in a private service in Boonsboro, MD on Saturday, August 22, 2009. Pallbearers will be Carl Lancaster, Tom Leonard, Don Brown, Sal Raspa, Kristofor O'Neal and Michael O'Neal. Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Purcell, Dan Grosso, John O'Neal and John Armentrout.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lexington Park Lions Club Scholarship c/o Jess Davis 23293 By the Mill RD, California, MD 20619.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield Funeral Home.