Katherine “Kathy” O’Neal, 69, of Abilene, Texas, passed away on April 28, 2026. She was born on August 25, 1956, in Ballinger, Texas, to Cecil and Georgia Keith.

Kathy married Lester O’Neal on December 22, 1971, in Brownwood, Texas. She cherished time with her children and grandchildren and found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Kathy loved playing Bingo, dancing, camping, and visiting the casino. She had a special fondness for strawberry shakes and was rarely seen without her loyal dog, Freckles, by her side.

Known for her caring nature, Kathy made it a point to check in on family and friends regularly and deeply valued family gatherings. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Kathy is survived by her daughter, Tina Clark and her husband, Donnie, of Abilene; and her three sons, Leaster O’Neal of Abilene, Chris O’Neal and his wife, Lisa, of Weatherford, and Jonathan O’Neal and his wife, Sandy, of Abilene. She is also survived by her sister, Wanda Spaulding of Hemphill; her son-in-law, Ronnie Merchant of Brownwood; and a special friend, Robert Garcia.

Kathy leaves behind seventeen grandchildren: Melanie, Patrick, Brandon, Amanda, Vincent, Natalie, Hope, Vanidee, Ethan, Emily, Ryan, Brittany, Heather, Dustin, Casey, Jasmine, and Rebecca; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester O’Neal Sr.; her daughter, Shelly Merchant; her sister, Betty Slaughter; her brother, Cecil Keith Jr.; her parents, Cecil and Georgia Keith; and her two grandsons, Alex O’Neal and Jonathan O’Neal Jr.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, Saturday May 9, 2026, at Blaylock Funeral Home in Brownwood prior to the Graveside Service at 1:00 pm at Eastlawn Memorial Park in Early, Texas.

Arrangements are entrusted to Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.