William O'Neill

William "Bill" E. O'Neill was born on June 23, 1935, in Pendleton, Oregon, to William and Leona O'Neill, the first of three children. When he was young, his family moved multiple times, but mostly around the northern Willamette Valley area.

Following high school, Bill enlisted in the Navy, and while home on leave he met a beautiful young high school graduate, Donna Gifford. They married soon after on December 7, 1956 and moved to Oahu, Hawaii, where Bill was stationed. After having their first son, Mark, in 1959, he left the Navy and moved to Salem, Oregon, where Bill began his career with the Oregon State Police. He also began his service in the Oregon Army National Guard. In 1962 they had their second son, Mike. In 1971, Bill graduated from Oregon College of Education (now WOU), with a bachelor's and masters' of Science degrees in education, criminal psychology, while working full time. In 1974, OSP promoted him to Corporal in the Communications Division and Division Commander in 1981. In 1984, he was promoted to Captain, retiring in 1987. He became a consultant in security and did investigative work for different agencies.

In 1971, Bill was commissioned as a Captain in the Army Guard, Military Police Corp. He served as a Commanding Officer and from 1984 to 1988 as State Provost Marshal, Lt. Col, retiring in 1988, a total of over 35 years military service. Among his many citations were these medals: Army Commendation, Meritorious Service, NG Meritorious Service, Army Achievement, National Defense, Armed Forces Reserve, 30 Years, and OR Veterans Honorable Service.

After retiring, he traveled on world trips with Donna and their family. He owned horses, went on hunting trips, and served with the Mounted Posse search and rescue teams. Throughout his years he volunteered in many civic, fraternal, philanthropic and masonic organizations in positions of leadership.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, camping, swimming (in his younger days he was a lifeguard and scuba instructor) and many sports. He is best remembered by his family as doing whatever he could to provide for them and support them. He coached their little league baseball teams and attended all their sporting events. He loved his sons, his five grandchildren, and was thrilled with his six great-grandchildren.

He faithfully fulfilled his duty on August 6, 2026, when he was welcomed by his Savior, Jesus Christ, and reunited with his wife, family, and others who have gone before him.

A Celebration of Bill's life will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 1:00pm, at Skyline Memorial Gardens (4101 NW Skyline Blvd, Portland, OR), followed by a Graveside Service.

Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.shawandsons.com.