Lewis Frank O'Neal

Lewis Frank O’Neal, 89, passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2009. Lewis was born in Lelia Lake, Texas December 2, 1920. In 1932 Lewis moved to Moriarty, with his parents Frank and Rubine and his two brothers Leon and Glenn. The family worked at various jobs, trying to make a living. Lewis grew up learning the skills that he would use the rest of his life, raising cattle, building and fixing fences and repairing windmills. Lewis graduated from Moriarty High School in 1938, one of 13 graduates. In 1914 the high school caught on fire. Lewis was at his grandparent’s house east of the school. Lewis and his uncle Dave saw the fire; they ran and got the trophies, books and desks out of the high school. The Williams family lived close by and became friends. Lewis became special friends with their daughter Virginia. They were married on June 27, 1942. Two months later, Lewis was called to duty in World War II. Lewis was a driver on a tank destroyer with the 1st Army of the 26th Divisions. He was wounded in France August 30, 1942 when a grenade exploded. He returned to duty 4 months later. On February 23, 1945, Lewis was wounded again, this time more seriously. A land mine exploded and he was blinded from the explosion. He returned to Moriarty and started doing what he knew how to do, ranch. He loved feeding and taking care of his cattle. He worked on windmills, built fences, doctored cattle, helped neighbors brand, and all the other things that have to be done with a ranch. Lewis ranched the rest of his life, with the help of his family and many others. Lewis was also active in the community of Moriarty. He was a charter member of the Bolton Hughes American Legion. Lewis served on the Moriarty School Board from 1957 until 1969. He was an active member of the Moriarty Lions Club since 1979. He received the Melvin Jones Award for the Lions Club in 1988. And in December 2004 the Lions dedicated the Moriarty Lions Building to Lewis and Virginia. He carried the American flag horseback in the Fourth of July parades for 25 years. In 1998 the new Agriculture Building at the Moriarty High School was dedicated to Lewis and Virginia. After meeting Lewis and getting to know him people were amazed at all the things Lewis did. He never let blindness get in his way of doing whatever he wanted to do in life. His determination continues to be an inspiration to everyone that knew him. He is survived by his wife Virginia of 67 years. Also survived by two daughters, Maggie Rose of Albuquerque, NM and Mollie Pittman and her husband Bill of Moriarty, NM; two granddaughters Cassie Eisenberger and her husband John of Clovis, NM and Kyria Encinias and her husband Cris of Hobbs, NM; three great grandchildren, Kade Pittman, Kinsey Encinias and Mollie Eisenberger; one brother, Glenn O’Neal of Sulphur, OK. Lewis is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Rubine O’Neal and one brother, Leon O’Neal. Lewis was an inspiration to everyone that met him. Many of you have helped him in some way. We all have memories that will continue to be with us the rest of our lives. Lewis had many peoples phone numbers memorized. He enjoyed calling people, sometimes very early in the morning! He remembered many people’s birthdays and gave them a call on their birthdays. People would speak to Lewis and he would recognize who they were just by listening to their voice and call them by name. He always believed in hard work. Vacations were a waste of time! He enjoyed helping other people. Something to remember about Lewis: When you get down and out on life ~ think of Lewis and all of the things he attempted and accomplished, without sight. So, what is it that you can’t do? Bill and Mollie came back to Moriarty in 1976. Bill has been the son that Lewis never had. He has always been there to help Lewis in any way he could. There will be a funeral service at 10:00A.M. at the Moriarty Civic Center in Moriarty, NM on Wednesday, December 23, 2009. Pallbearers will be Cris Encinias, John Eisenberger, Kade Pittman, Ray Quintero, Justin Poff and Kenneth Maese. Burial will follow the service at Mountain View Cemetery in Moriarty, NM. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the Moriarty Lions Club