John Michael O'Neil

John Michael O’Neil, 74 of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away in July of 2026.

John was the beloved baby of the O’Neil family, and he never lost his love for being the youngest. From the very beginning, he was a cautious child, yet he looked at the world around him with a sense of awe and wonder. That childlike innocence remained a beautiful part of who John was throughout his entire life.

John had a gentle and kind spirit. He was deeply devoted to his family, his Catholic faith, his beloved dogs, and his trains. These were the things that made up his world and brought him the greatest happiness.

John never had children of his own, but he was blessed with nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Being an uncle was a special joy in his life, and his family held a very special place in his heart. He was the kind of uncle whose gentle nature and innocence made him deeply loved.

And then there were his dogs - Sadie, Peaches and Susie. They were not simply pets to John; they were his family and among the greatest loves of his life. The love and devotion he had for them reflected the enormous tenderness that was at the heart of his character.

For more than 30 years, John devoted himself to another great passion: trains. He designed and created an extensive Santa Fe Railroad yard together with a Midwest small-city train layout. He poured countless hours of patience, imagination and love into his creation. His trains were far more than an hobby - they were a world he built and treasured

John earned a Bachelor of Arts from Central State University and a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Oklahoma. He went on to teach at Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska, and Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Later, he served as a bailiff under several Oklahoma City Court judges.

John was preceded in death by his parents James Emmett O’Neil and Mary Virginia Baron O’Neil, sister Sharon Louise O’Neil Miller, and brother James Emmett O’Neil, Jr. John is survived by his sister Carolyn O’Neil Cram; his nieces, Kristin MacClary, Lisa Williams, Andrea Zimmermann, and Suzanne Miller; and his nephews, Michael McMullan, James Glenn O’Neil, Curtis McMullan, and Chadrick O’Neil.

John will be remembered for his gentle heart, his quiet nature, his deep love of family, his devotion to his faith, and the childlike innocence with which he experienced the world. He found wonder in the things he loved and gave his heart fully to them. He was a treasured brother, uncle, nephew, and friend, and his presence in the family will be deeply missed.

Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM Friday, September 25, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Oklahoma City, OK 73120, followed by a reception at the church. Graveside Service at 1:00 PM at Memorial Park Cemetery, 13400 N. Kelly Avenue, Oklahoma, City, OK 73131. Flowers may be sent to Christ the King Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To view John's Funeral Mass, please visit the link below:

https://www.ckokc.org/live-streaming