Roger O'Neil Obituary

Roger W. O'Neil, 73, of Wellsville, KS passed away June 6, 2023. He was born December 3, 1949 in Ottawa, KS the son of Frank Glenn O'Neil and Phyllis Arlene (Seyler) O'Neil.

Roger grew up in Wellsville graduating from Wellsville High School in 1967. Roger was an excellent athlete lettering in football, basketball and track. For 54 years Roger remained in the top ten for Wellsville High School basketball scoring with 917 career points. His highest single game scoring was 31 points in 1965 as a sophomore and again in 1967 as a senior. (This was before 3 point shots).

He enjoyed many years of playing American Legion Baseball in Ottawa, KS.

Roger graduated from Baker University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. In 1988 he graduated with a Master's degree in physical education from Wichita State University.

On July 31, 1970 Roger was united in marriage to Marcia Webb at the Baker University Chapel, Baldwin City, KS. They shared over fifty-two years of loving marriage.

In 1971 Roger began serving his country in the United States Army Reserves. He continued his service in the reserves until 1978, attaining the rank of Specialist 4th class.

Roger began teaching Physical Education/Health for the Whitewater-Remington School District in 1973 and taught there until 1991 also teaching Social Studies and Psychology. Roger coached football, track, girls basketball and volleyball. Roger had a very successful coaching tenure especially in girls basketball. In 1975 Roger was selected as an Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America. In 1980 Roger was named a candidate for the Kansas Jaycee Outstanding Young Educator Award. He was one of 14 finalists for the award. He was KOYY (El Dorado, KS) South Central Kansas Coach of the years in 1982 and 1984.

In 1984 he coached the Remington girls basketball team to class 3-A state runner up.

In 1991 Roger decided he wanted to build a home on the family farm in Wellsville. He started teaching and coaching at Atchison High School and was the Volleyball and Girls Basketball coach there until 1995. In 1995 Roger was named the Athletic Director for USD 348 Baldwin City, KS and he also coached high school volleyball. He retired in 2005.

Roger was a member of the Kansas National Education Association, National Education Association, National Federation of Coaches, Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, Kansas Volleyball Association, Zeta Chi Fraternity at Baker University, and Louis H. Hanson American Legion Post #194, Wellsville, KS.

Roger enjoyed mowing the family farm in the summer and cutting wood in the winter with his wood cutting buddies. He also faithfully mowed Black Jack Cemetery for the past 30 years as a caretaker following in the footsteps of his father. He was a huge sports fan and enjoyed watching the KC Chiefs, KC Royals, and KU Basketball. He also enjoyed watching the many activities his grandchildren participated in. He loved 'Happy Hour' in the shed with his family and "Grand" Dogs. A favorite pastime in retirement was playing pitch with a group of his friends.

Roger was a world class coach who always taught his athletes to be respectful of the game and the referees. He taught many life skills during his time coaching sports. That care for his players led to many lifelong friendships and many more players that always considered him a mentor. Before his players and team though, Roger was a family man. He loved his wife Marcia with a passion and was a wonderful example to his children and grandchildren that family was always first.

Roger is survived by his wife, Marcia O'Neil, Wellsville, KS; two daughters, Lori George and her husband, Russ, Wellsville, KS; Lacey Davis and her husband Travis, Olathe, KS; two siblings, Rick O'Neil and his wife Colleen, Wellsville, KS; Janine Dwyer and her husband Larry, Wellsville, KS; and six grandchildren,

Garrett George, William "Will" Davis, Lexi George, Haley George, Allie George, and Clara Davis.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will greet friends for a visitation from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday June 16, 2023 at the Lamb- Roberts -Price Funeral Home, Ottawa, KS.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm Saturday June 17, 2023 at USD 348 Baldwin City Junior High school gym located at 400 Eisenhower Street, Baldwin City, KS 66006

Memorial contributions can be made to the Roger O'Neil Educational/Athletic Memorial Scholarship Fund and can be sent to Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067.

Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com