Donald Lee “Donnie” O’Neil passed away March 12, 2024, at 86 years of age. He was born April 13, 1937, in Eatonville, Washington, to Lloyd and Martha (Scoggins) O’Neil. He was the youngest of their three children.
He graduated from Eatonville High School in 1956 where he was very active in sports (excelling in basketball) many clubs and organizations. On Oct. 25, 1958, Don married his high school sweetheart, Judy Snyder. They were together for over 50 years, raising a family, working, playing, fishing, farming and caring for each other until Judy passed away in 2009. In 2011, Don met Carol Olsen, and soon they were “knotted.” They lived, vacationed, socialized and traveled in and bought and sold many RVs together for over 13 years. Donnie was known by all for his sense of humor. He loved to tell jokes and stories. A bit of a temper earned him the nickname “Dangerous Don,” used by many in jest.
A construction job with his Uncle Ben brought Donnie to Lewis County. He worked for Bueter and O’Neil prior to going to work at Pacific Sand and Gravel (Lakeside Industries) where he worked his way from driver to dispatcher, superintendent and estimator, retiring in 1996. He was a 38-year member of Teamsters Union Local #252.
Donnie was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fishing from a young age. Golf came to him later in life but he was hooked, playing as often as he could. Not even his Parkinson's could slow down his golfing. He enjoyed wintering in the Southwest, fishing in the Northwest and spending time with the family for all the special occasions and major holidays: Christmas, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July and, of course, St. Patrick’s Day. He was a member of the Eagles, Moose and the Men’s Club at Newaukum Valley Golf Club.
Don will be sorely missed and always remembered by those he leaves behind.
He is survived by his significant other, Carol Olsen; children, Darren (Michelle) O’Neil, of Chehalis, Michael O’Neil, of Sammamish, and Dianne O’Neil, of Tacoma; grandchildren, Ashley (George) Fletcher, Sean O’Neil, Braden O’Neil, Sydney (Dan) Smith, Austin O’Neil and Keegan O’Neil; great-grandchildren, Sloane, George “Kellen” and Hayes Fletcher, and Teagan and Riley Smith; sister, Peggy Higgins; brother, Larry (Margie) O’Neil, of Tacoma; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; best friend and neighbor Harry McCutchen; and uncountable golf partners, fishing and hunting partners, and friends.
A short graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Claquato Cemetery. A gathering to celebrate his life will follow at noon at the Newaukum Golf Course in Chehalis. Lunch will be provided.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to W.F. West Dollars for Scholars or your favorite charity.
