Chester "Chet" O'Neal Jr.

Chester O’Neal, Jr., 80, of Connersville, died Monday morning, January 12, 2015, at his residence. “Chet” was a native of Brookville, born April 19, 1934 to Chester, Sr. and Gayle Holland O’Neal. He attended Brookville High School for three years and graduated from Connersville High School in 1952. Chet was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the engineering division from 1952 to 1956. Chet furthered his education at Indiana University where he graduated from the School of Business in 1960. On November 16, 1961, Chet was married in Kentucky to the former Goldie Gibson. They built Lincoln Manor and Lincoln Lodge Nursing Centers together in Connersville and operated them for many years. Chet later served as president of Kelley C. Investment Corporation. He enjoyed traveling and boating and was an ardent Republican. Chet was an avid fisherman and had enjoyed raising horses and attending horse races. Chet was a member of the Board Of Trustees at Fayette Memorial Hospital from 1987 to 1992 and was a life member of the B.P.O. Elks where he was a past Exhalted Ruler. Chet also had been a member of 40 et 8 Voiture 1040, American Legion and the Connersville Country Club. Chet is survived by his son: Kelley O’Neal of Connersville; his grandson: Zachary Tyler O’Neal of Connersville; his granddaughter: Ashley Marie O’Neal of Connersville; his great-grandson: Steven Carson DeGroat; his brothers and their spouses: Richard O’Neal and Elaine, Gary O’Neal and Gayle, all of Connersville; nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Chet was preceded in death by his wife, Goldie who died July 21, 2014; and a brother: William “Bill” O’Neal. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, with Pastor Mal Gibson, officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery with military graveside honors provided by the Fayette County Veterans Council. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 12 noon Friday until the time of service where memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate). For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.