Col. Ray Chalmer "Jumbo" O'Neal, I

Ray C. O'Neal, a retired Air Force Colonel, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012. Graveside service: 11:15 a.m. Friday in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, with military honors. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society are appreciated.

Jumbo, as he was known to his friends, was born in Morris, Ill. He attended Girard High School in Girard, Ill., and upon graduation enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served during World War II. Upon discharge in 1946, he attended the University of Illinois and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army. He secured an interservice transfer to the Air Force in 1949 and became a pilot. He flew multiple aircraft through three decades of service, including combat missions in Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War. He retired as a wing commander in 1974.

Survivors: His loving wife of 60 years, Marian O'Neal; children, Michael O'Neal (Doreen), Challie Samaras (Stephen), Timothy O'Neal (Jennifer), Sean O'Neal (Beth) and Ray C. O'Neal II (Audrey); 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Edwin (Alta); and sister-in-law, Carol McClusky (Bill).

Published in Star-Telegram on September 7, 2012