Mrs. Lucy O'Neil (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Lucy Draper O’Neil, daughter of Edwin “Ned” and Gladys Leeper Draper, was born April 19, 1946, in Springfield, Missouri. She departed this life Saturday, April 13, 2019, in her home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of seventy-two years, eleven months, and twenty-four days.
On January 29, 1966, she was united in marriage to Thomas J. “Tom” O’Neil, and to this union one daughter and one son were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Joseph R. and Arthur Gibbs Draper.
Lucy is survived by her loving husband of fifty-three years, Tom, of the home; a daughter, Katie O’Neil, of Atlanta, Georgia; a son, Bob O’Neil, and his wife, Krista (Reddmann) O’Neil, of Lebanon, Missouri; four grandchildren, Caroline Syverson, David Simanovsky, Tyler O’Neil, and Bodee O’Neil; a sister, Catherine Ann Prickett, of St. Charles, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
Lucy was born in Springfield, Missouri, and was raised in Lebanon, Missouri. Her father, Ned Draper, was the grandson of C.C. Draper, one of the founders of the State Bank in Lebanon, and was the son-in-law, of Governor Joseph W. McClurg. After graduating from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1964, Lucy went to the University of Missouri, Columbia, where she and Tom were both students. Lucy graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1968. While Tom was finishing law school, Lucy taught at Prairie Home Elementary School. After Tom completed law school, he was called into the United States Army and Lucy stayed with Tom throughout his various places of duty until he was sent for duty in Vietnam. Being a mother was a strong desire of Lucy’s and even though the timing was not the best, she was pregnant when Tom left for Vietnam. Catherine Elizabeth “Katie” O’Neil, was born on April 28, 1971. The Red Cross notified Tom that both “mother and daughter were doing well”. Once Tom came home from overseas, a son, Robert Edward O’Neil, was born on February 21, 1973. Tom opened a law office in Lebanon and Lucy stayed home with the children until they were both in school. Lucy then began to teach sixth grade at Hillcrest Elementary School in Lebanon, a job she maintained for ten years. Thereafter, Lucy was active in the lives of the children, a devoted homemaker and a loving wife and mother.
Lucy was raised in the First Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) in Lebanon and then was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Lebanon.
She had been a member of Chapter EO of PEO, the Red Hat Society, and belonged to a couple of bridge clubs. Her family was very dear to her and she especially enjoyed having time with her grandchildren.
Lucy created and nurtured a loving family and a wonderful circle of close friends. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments, and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories they share.
A memorial has been established to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation and may be left at the funeral home.
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