Ricky V. O'Neal

Early in the morning of February 6, 2025, Ricky Van O'Neal entered his eternal home,where he was lovingly welcomed by his God and his eldest son Aaron. Rick was born inWewoka, OK on November 28,1949 to Harold and Doris O'Neal, and spent part of hisearly years as a missionary kid in the Philippines. His family later settled in Santee,California, where his dad was a preacher and teacher and his mom a teacher. Aftergraduating from Pepperdine University, Rick followed in his parents' footsteps andbecame a teacher. In 1987 he moved to Battle Ground, WA, and devoted the remaining26 years of his career to teaching math at Battle Ground High School and RiverHomeLink.Rick met the love of his life, Colleen Bogard, in 1971, when, to attend San Diego StateUniversity, she moved in with her grandparents, neighbors to the O'Neals; he literallymarried "the girl next door." One of the many joys of Rick's life was countless games ofwiffleball with his three sons, Aaron, Joshua, and Sean. Everyone who knew Rick, knewhe loved baseball, especially his favorite team, the Dodgers. He also enjoyed traveling,running, sunning, and reading. The house was often filled with music as he playedguitar with his boys and later his grandson, Tiernan.Rick's favorite scriptures were Micah 6:8 and Matthew 22:37-39, core principles for hislife which truly reflected his love of God and his neighbor. His life motto was, "Life ishard; it is not my job to make it harder for others." He made people's lives better with hissmile, his stories, and his encouraging words. His laugh was loud and contagious!Always positive and grateful for his blessings, even after years of pain and multiplestrokes, he would wave and smile to passersby as he was wheeled through theneighborhood; he invariably received a smile and wave in return.Rick was preceded in death by his son Aaron, his parents Hal and Doris, in-laws Tomand Grace, his sister Peggy, and his sister-in-law Rosie. He is survived by his wife of 52years, Colleen, his sons Josh (Jen), Sean (Katie), Becki, sister-in-law Nettie (Russ), sixgrandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was deeply loved and will be greatlymissed.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Clark County or North County foodbanks or Battle Ground High School ASB. Rick's memorial service will take placeSaturday, February 22, 2025, 11:00 am at Landmark Church in Battle Ground, WA.Non-perishable foods can be donated at his service.

Ricky V. O'Neal

November 28, 1949 - February 6, 2025