Don A. O'Neal, 81

Don A. O’Neal Sr., a devoted husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, passed away Aug. 12, 2025, in Post Falls, Idaho. A resident of Spokane Valley, Wash., was born March 30, 1944, in Knoxville, Tenn., to Carroll E. O’Neal Sr. and Bernice (Smith) O’Neal (both deceased). 

When Don was nine, his family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he graduated from Stranahan High School. Upon graduation, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a Security Police K-9 handler from August 1962 to August 1966. His service took him to bases including Kadena Air Base in Okinawa and Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Wash. While at FAFB, he met the love of his life, Rebecca (Becki) Gregerson. They were married for over 60 years. Following his military service, he began a career in law enforcement, serving as a Deputy Sheriff in Lincoln County before returning to Fort Lauderdale to work in law enforcement there. Though he loved Florida, he was drawn back to the Northwest and joined the Coeur d’Alene P.D. After moving back to Spokane, he transitioned into a new field, becoming a skilled brake and front-end alignment specialist. He later found his true calling as a Vehicle Salesman, a career he dedicated himself to for over 35 years before retiring. 

Don had a deep passion for sports throughout his life. He coached a women’s softball team for over 20 years, leading them to numerous championships throughout the Northwest, including a 5th-place finish at the first Women’s Modified Fastpitch National Tournament in Keene, N.H. In recognition of his contributions, Don was inducted into the Inland Empire Softball Hall of Fame in 2017. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, riding his Harley, and working on the vehicles in his classic car collection. Don loved vacationing in Florida, attending class reunions, visiting with new and lifelong friends and especially the time spent in the beautiful Florida Everglades in their natural state, with his longtime friend Alligator Ron Bergeron and his family. Don’s greatest joy was his family. He cherished watching his children and grandkids participate in sports, from T-ball through college. 

Don will be missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Becki, and their two children: daughter Tami-Su (O’Neal) Dwyer (Dan) and son Don A. O’Neal Jr. (Melissa). He leaves behind six grandkids and was the proud great-grandpa of one great-granddaughter: The Dwyers — Maxwell (Jordyn), Cameron (Kelsey and great-granddaughter Lynnlee), Trayton, and Gracee Brinkman (Brady); The O’Neals — Braydon and Easton. He is also survived by his brother, Ed (Donna), and many nieces & nephews, as well as numerous friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. We are thankful for our loving memories that will last forever. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.

There will be a “celebration of life” Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at The Hive, 2904 E. Sprague, Spokane, from 2-4 p.m. There will be an open mic opportunity to share memories. A ceremony with military honors will be conducted at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash., which will be his final resting place. Bell Tower Funeral Home is entrusted with Don’s care.