Frederick O'Neal

Frederick Edward "Eddie" O'Neal, age 56, a resident of Mansfield Addition, Philippi, WV, passed away January 9, 2012 at United Hospital Center. He was born February 7, 1955 at Portsmouth Navy Hospital in VA, he is the son of the Ellen Jean Upton O'Neal of Philippi and the late Fredrick Earl O'Neal Sr. Surviving include his wife Debra Sue (Ketterman) O'Neal whom he married October 17, 1980. Eddie was a 1973 graduate of Phillip Barbour High School, and he attended West Virginia University. He was a member of the following organizations, Bigelow Lodge #52 A.F. & A.M., Philippi, WV. Scottish Rite Valley of Orient, Clarksburg, WV 11/1978, Scottish Rite Valley of the Orient, Wheeling, WV 11/1978, and AAONMS in 1994 Osiris Shrine at Seneca Rocks, a member of the Red Fez Patrol, Tygart Valley Shrine Club, Upshur County Shrine Club, Upshur County Shuttle Patrol, Bel-Mon Shrine Club, Taylor County Shrine Club, Osiris Iron Horse Patrol, Hillbilly Clan #24 in Tennessee. He also was a 1994 Associate Member in Beni Kedem, Charleston, WV, Directors Staff, in 2002 he served as Associate Board Member at Erie Shriners Hospital, in 2005 Michael D. Prodan appointed to Divan as Outer Guard, in 2006 Daniel W. Strappazon appointed as Marshall, in 2007 Elected Oriental Guide, High Priest and Prophet, Jerry D. Wolfe, P.P. In 2008, elected Chief Rabban, Gary Gwynn Sr. Potentate. Eddie also served on various committees, helping with fundraisers, playing the part of the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. He was the owner operator of 1994 International Mini Tractor Trailer and pulled the Shrine Float. Eddie was a represenative for the shrine in Anahiem, California, and St. Louis, Missouri. Eddie traveled to the states of Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and extensively in parades and car shows in West Virginia. He was in many parades including the Strawberry Festival, Buckwheat Festival, Blue & Gray Reunion, Forest Festival, Wood Choppers Festival, and many Christmas parades in local cities. Eddie also attended many truck shows at Dallas Pike and Chrome Shop Truck Shows. Eddie worked at the Barbour County Sheriff's Office, Grafton Coal, J & J Enterprises and Energy Corporation of America for 20 plus years. His was known as "Topcat" as his CB handle. He was a protestant by faith. Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, from 2 - 8 pm, on Thursday, January 12, 2012 from 8 - 8 pm, and on Friday, January 13, 2012 from 8 -11 am the service hour with Rev. Arden R. Beck officiating. Interment with follow in the Marsh Family Cemetery in Tacy with Bigelow Lodge #52 A.F & A.M. conducting graveside rights. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Shriners Hospital 1645 West 8th St. Erie, PA 16505.