Ira O'Neal

Ira Alvin O'Neal, 82 years old of Kalamazoo, MI made his final deployment to heaven on May 6, 2025, surrounded by family. Ira was born in Roswell, New Mexico on May 27, 1942, to parent Ira and Syble O'Neal of Roswell, NM. He graduated from Roswell High School in 1960 and joined the Navy that same year. He got out of the Navy and worked for the railroad for a while. He returned to the Navy in 1974 where he finished his 22 years of service. Ira achieved the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer (E8) before retiring to Roswell. He pursued a career with the N.M. Dept of Corrections as a hearing officer. Ira married Jill Turner in December 1969, and they had 2 sons.

Ira later met and married Beth O'Neal in July of 2002. Ira and Beth have lived together in Kalamazoo, MI for the last 22 years enjoying fishing and camping. Ira enjoyed woodworking, creating many things over the years ranging from benches to gazebos. He was an avid shooter. Ira had a strong sense of duty to country and family.

Ira was preceded in death by his parents: Ira and Syble; his first wife Jill O'Neal; sister Joyce Leonards; granddaughter Samantha Shae; nephew Richard and niece, Amelia.

Ira is survived by his wife Beth O'Neal; sons: Nelson (Katherine) and Patrick (Heather); daughters: Kim and Heidi; grand-children: Cieanna, Trinity, Nelson IV, Sophia, Kylie, Rebecca, Kaianna, Marcus, Alyssa, Kinley, Lainy, Natalie, Wyatt and Allison; niece Darla (Chris); nephews: Harold (Angie), Robert (Cheri) and Matthew along with great-nieces and nephews and great-grandchildren.

Visit with family and friends on Monday, May 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; 120 S. Woodhams St. Plainwell, MI 49080 (269-685-5881). A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the same location. Interment and military honors will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

While visiting Ira’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.