O'Neal Wireman

O’Neal “Big Neal” Wireman, 89, of Salyersville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in Salyersville, O’Neal was the son of the late Ashland and Vinia Wireman. He grew up in a close-knit family with his brothers and sisters: Kearney Wireman, Onethia (Gary) Cotrell, Linville Wireman, Susie Wireman, Mable Wireman, Fielden (Etta Jean) Wireman, Bonnie (Mike) Melvin, and Dovie (Charlie) Gayheart. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his siblings: Kearney, Onethia, Mable, Susie, and Linville.

O’Neal was married to the love of his life, Patricia “Patty” Wireman, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and a deep sense of family that will continue for generations. They would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on March 30, 2026.

He was a member of Labor Local 329 for 69 years and 4 months and was a gold card member. He took great pride in his work and the friendships he made along the way. He was also a member of the Big Buck Club of Ohio, a testament to his lifelong love of hunting and the outdoors.

O’Neal was a devoted father to Kathy (Dewey) McKinley and O’Neal Jr. (Karla) Wireman, and a proud grandfather to Joshua McKinley, Jessica (Bob) Padgett, Grace Green, O’Neal III (Sarah) Wireman, and Katrina (JD) Meyer. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Ella, Taylin, and Jonah Padgett; Aaron Jordan, Emberly, Ava, Ellis, and Evelyn Wireman; and Wesley, Brooklyn, and Ethan Meyer.

Big Neal loved the outdoors, whether he was fishing, hunting, or working in his garden, he found peace and joy in nature. He was known for his cowboy hat, his quick wit, and his big heart. He never met a stranger, and if you stopped by to visit, he’d likely offer to cook for you; though Grandma Patty was the one who always had to clean up the mess.

He was tough and proud, never afraid to raise his fist to remind you just how strong he was. Beneath that toughness was a heart full of love for his wife, family, and friends. O’Neal “Big Neal” Wireman will be remembered for his strength, humor, generosity, and the deep love he shared with everyone who knew him.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Lima Missionary Baptist Church, Lima, Ohio. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Rev. Terry Brock will officiate. Burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery, Wapakoneta, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lima Missionary Baptist Church.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.