Joe Wayne O'Neal, 79 of Cabool, MO passed away on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010 at the Autumn Oaks Caring Center in Mtn. Grove, MO. He was born on May 15, 1931 in Springfield, MO the third son of Clarence and Adith (Sallee) O'Neal.

The family moved to a farm near Battlefield, MO when Joe was 5 years old. He graduated from Republic High School in 1949 and then worked on the family farm. He served in the US Army for two years during the Korean Conflict.

Joe was united in marriage to Billie Louise Saylors on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1955 at the First Baptist Church in Lead Hill, AR. In 1957, Joe and his father bought the Topaz Farm in Douglas County and moved there where he spent the rest of his life until his health failed and he went to the nursing home. Except for five years, when he was employed by Mid-Am in Cabool, he was a farmer and handle maker. All of his spare time was spent on restoring the old Topaz Water Mill located on the farm. He delighted in giving "tours" of the mill to visitors and school children.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bob and two sisters-in-law, Elsia and Carolyn O'Neal. He is survived by his wife, Billie and daughter, Patricia (Patty) of the home; his brother, Bill of Republic, MO; 8 nieces and nephews, 8 great nieces and nephews and a host of friends. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.