Mike O'Neal

"And the Ride Goes On"

Charles William "Mike" O'Neal Jr. began his "ride" in Salmon, Idaho, on February 8, 1947, born to Charles William O'Neal and Helen Lish O'Neal, and passed away September 24, 2017, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He grew up in Cobalt, Idaho. Spending many week-ends and summers in Pahsimeroi Valley with his Lish Grandparents and other relatives, his love for horses and cowboying grew. The family moved to Henderson, Nevada, when the Cobalt mine closed in 1959, and then to Moab, Utah, in 1961. Mike attended and graduated from Grand County High School. Mike and Linda Lema were married in Moab in 1966 and were blessed with a son, Michael William. They later divorced. He moved to Kellogg, Idaho, and started his mining career. He was employed at the Sunshine Mine on May 2, 1972, when the Sunshine Mine fire occurred. He was on another shift, but lost many friends and described it as one of the saddest days of his life. Mike worked in the mining industry for most of his working life. He lived in Star, Idaho, for many years and spent many summers riding at Bear Valley and Copper Basin. Being a cowboy was his most treasured time in life and his "heroes have always been cowboys!" Retiring to Moore, Idaho, around 2004, he spent the remainder of his time enjoying his view of King Mountain, his horses, dogs and cats, listening to country music and reading his favorite western paperbacks. He also became quite proficient with his "BW machine!" Mike was preceded in death by his parents, son, Davey Shane, daughter, Lori Ann, sister and brother-in-law, Mary & Gary Baker, grandparents, Everett & Iris Lish and Edward & Nina O'Neal. Surviving are his son, Michael (Cinda) Pena, grandchildren, Lauren Mae, Karlee Taylor and Michael Curtis Pena, sister, Carolyn (Tony) Lema, stepsons, Kel and Derek Thomas. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends. The family would like to thank Mike's special friends, Susie & Nick and Karen & Jim and cousin, Joan Ponton (Dale to Mike's Roy), and Al for their support the last few years. Thanks also for the compassionate care afforded him at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2017, at the May Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

Graveside Services will be held