O. E. McNeil

Edna—Funeral services for Oscar E. McNeil, 83, prominent Jackson County rancher, will be held at 3 p. m. Sunday at First Baptist Church. The pastor, the Rev. Joe Webb will officiate, assisted by the Rev. William Truede of the First United Methodist Church.

Burial will be in the Edna Cemetery, under direction of the Jackson County Funeral Service. Pallbearers will be Luther Hamilton, C. G. Shoemate, Ollie Holloway, Laddie Matusek, James Garner, Walter Dollar; and honorary pallbearers will be Callaway Vance, Lon Drushel, Ken Swift, Charles W. Calhoun and Sylvan Miori.

Mr. McNeil was born Dec. 5, 1889 in Milam County, but moved to Jackson County with his family when he was 7 years old. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Troy McNeil, and his father served here as county treasurer. He married the former Edna Felts in 1914. Mr. McNeil had been in ill health for some time, and died Friday in a Victoria hospital. He was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Oscar McNeil of Edna; a son, W. T. McNeil of Edna, an attorney and former state legislator; a daughter, Dr. Melba Moore of Potomac, Md.; a sister, Mrs. T. C. Butler of Houston; brother T. M. McNeil of Iraan, Tex.; and 6 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who desire make memorials to the church or charity of their choice.

Victoria Advocate, February 25, 1973

Edna McNeil

Edna—Funeral services for Mrs. Edna McNeil, 87, member of a prominent Jackson County family, will be held at 3:30 p. m. Wednesday in the First Baptist Church here, with the Rev. Joe Webb officiating.

Mrs. McNeil died Monday in an El Campo hospital.

Burial will be in the Memory Gardens of Edna under direction of the Jackson County Funeral Service.

Pallbearers will be Luther Hamilton, Walter Dollar, Callaway Vance, Darrell Rowlett, Laddie Matusek, James Garner, George Frazier and Ardrey Dunham..

Mrs. McNeil was born Nov. 12, 1894 in Cave City, Ark.

She was the widow of Oscar E. McNeil, prominent rancher, who died in 1973. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, said to be the oldest in years of membership of that church and a member of the women’s society and a former Sunday School teacher.

She is survived by a daughter, Dr. Melba McNeil Moore and a son, W. T. McNeil, both of Edna; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Meadow of Victoria and Mrs. S. L. Dodson of La Ward; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, the family suggested friends who desire could make a memorial of their choice.

Victoria Advocate, January 6, 1982
 

Dr. Melba McNeil Moore

Edna—Dr. Melba McNeil Moore, 73, of Edna died Sunday, June 14, 1992, in a local hospital following a short illness.

She was born Aug. 1, 1918, at the McNeil Ranch in Jackson County to the late Oscar E. and W. Edna Felts McNeil. She was a graduate of Edna High School, Oklahoma A & M University and Southwestern Medical School. She was a member of numerous medical societies, the Eleanor Brackenridge Literary Club and the Edna Rotary Club. She was a practicing physician until shortly before her death.

Survivors: daughters, Dr. Rosemary Conlon of Sugar Land, Maureen Slocum and Ranelle Moroney, both of Austin, and Lois Cunning of Edna; brother, W. T. McNeil of Edna; and 11 grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Raymond T. Moore, M. D., on Feb. 4, 1987.

Services: 4 p. m. Tuesday, First Baptist Church, the Rev. Joe Webb officiating.

Pallbearers: Chuck Conlon, Jonathan Slocum, Vic Moroney, Tom Cunning, Will McNeil and Dan McNeil.

Burial in Memory Gardens of Edna, Jackson County Funeral Service, 782-5201.

Memorials: donor’s choice.

She also was treasurer of the Texana Museum and Library Association.

Victoria Advocate, June 15 & 16, 1992

Moore – McNeil
McNeil and Moore Wedding Saturday

The First Baptist Church was the scene Saturday evening of the wedding of Dr. Melba McNeil, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Edwin McNeil, to Dr. Raymond Thomas Moore, son of Dr. and Mrs. W. T. Moore of Marshall, Ark.

The altar was banked with white asters.

The Reverend Carl Schlomach, pastor at the Edna Baptist Church, read the marriage lines.

The nuptial music and the traditional wedding marches were provided by Mrs. B. B. Hayes.

Dr. Richard Hinkle of San Antonio acted as best man, and ushers were W. T. McNeil, brother of the bride, and Billy Strane, her cousin.

The bride, given in marriage by her father, wore a gown of white silk eyelet embroidery, fashioned with a fitted bodice and flaring tunic edged with appliquéd flowers of the embroidery over white satin. Her double tiered finger-tip length veil of imported illusion was held by a headpiece of satin and appliquéd flowers, and she carried a bouquet of gardenias and stephanotis, backed with tulle.

Mrs. R. T. Dulaney of San Antonio, matron of honor, wore a simple lime green crepe gown with accents of gold, and her hat was of matching tulle. She carried a bouquet of rose asters.

Mrs. McNeil, mother of the bride, wore a gown or Navy blue and her corsage was pink carnations.

For her going away outfit, the bride chose a suit of green gabardine with brown accessories, and a corsage of gardenias.

After the ceremony at the church, a reception was held in the garden of the home of the bride’s parents.

Mrs. William Baker and Miss Dixie Ann White presided over the punch bowl and the bride’s book.

Following a motor trip through the Midwest, the couple will be at home in San Antonio.

Edna Weekly Herald, August 5, 1948
 

Dr. Raymond Thomas Moore

Edna—Funeral services for Dr. Raymond Thomas Moore, 76, of Edna, formerly of Austin, who died Wednesday, will be held at 4 p. m. Saturday at First Baptist church of Edna.

The Rev. Joe Webb, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens of Edna under direction of Jackson County Funeral Service.

Pallbearers will be Dan and Will McNeil, Schley Bill Strane, Walter Dollar, George Frazier, Calloway Vance, Mike Rainbolt, Darrell Rowlett and Mac McCallick. Members of the Edna Rotary Club and the Faires Drug coffee club will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Dr. Moore was born July 16, 1919, in Gilbert, Ark., son of the late Dr. William T. and Flora Keeling Moore. He was a World War II veteran, a member and active layman of the First Baptist Church of Edna and the Edna Rotary Club.

He was named 1984 Edna Rotary Club Man of the Year and Paul Harris Fellow in 1986. He was active in the Jackson County Health Department, participated in senior citizens activities and was an avid Rosarian.

Dr. Moore was a member of the USAF Hiroshima Army of Occupation and was the first U. S. public health officer in Hiroshima after the Atomic bombing. He served there in 1945-47.

He served in the U. S. Public Heath Service Reserve from 1950-59 and was on active duty from 1959-74. He completed several extra assignments including stints as acting director of the National Center for Radiological Health and director of the Environmental Control Administration.

In 1974, he served as deputy director of the Texas Department of Health; deputy commissioner in 1975; commissioner from 1978-79; and reverted to deputy director in 1980 because of heart surgery.

He retired to the family ranch near Edna on Sept. 1, 1980.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Raymond (Dr. Melba McNeil) Moore of Edna; four daughters, Dr. Rosemary Conlon of Sugar Lane, Maureen Slocum and Ranelle, both of Austin and Lois Cunning of Crosby; two sisters, Pearl Jones of Everton, Ark., and Flora Faye Daniels of Santa Clara, Calif.; a brother, Dr. Carl Moore of Dallas; and nine grandchildren.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, the family request memorial donations to the Edna chapter of Youth for Christ.

Victoria Advocate, February 7, 1987
 

William T. McNeil

Edna—William Troy McNeil, 75, of Edna, died Wednesday, March 15, 2000.

He was born Aug. 29, 1924, in Edna, to the late Oscar Edwin and Edna Felts McNeil. He was a retired attorney and a member of the First Methodist Church of Edna. He was a U. S. Navy veteran of World War II where he served on the ship Ticonderoga. He was a member of Lolita VFW and former President of the Edna ISD School Board where he served for 13 years. He was a member of Edna Lions Club for 28 years and Edna Rotary Club for 10 years. He was elected to serve as State Representative in 1952 for Jackson and Matagorda County. He served as County Attorney from 1960 to 1966 and was a member of the Texas Bar Association, Phi Alpha Delta and the “T” Association at Texas A & !.

Survivors: wife, Jean Thorp McNeil of Edna; sons, Daniel Wayne McNeil and wife Carol of San Antonio and William Thorp McNeil and wife Laurie of Edna; grandsons, Aaron James NcNeil and Matthew Blake McNeil, both of San Antonio, and Luke Peyton McNeil and Parker Troy McNeil both of Edna.

Preceded in death by: parents: sisters, Marvel McNeil and Dr. Melba McNeil Moore.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p. m. tonight at Slavik Funeral Home chapel.

Memorial services will be 2 p. m. Friday at First United Methodist Church of Edna, with the Rev. Russell Minton officiating. Slavik Funeral Home, Edna. (361) 782-2152.

Honorary pallbearers: Luther Hamilton, Bert Weigand, David Gregory, Jonathan Slocum, Dr. Church Conland, Vic Meroni, Tom Cunning, Dr. E. P. McCabe, Jum Cooper, Ken Swift, Rodney Cosper, Walter Doller, Herbert Melton, Carol and Bruce Strane, Jeff Green, Neil Boyle, Calloway Vance, Charlie Bill Calhoun, Dennis Simons, Lynn Walleck, Joe Walleck, George Simons, Joe Hermes, Sylvan Miori, Laddie Matusek, Richard Cosper, Sam Jordan and Harvey Reynolds,

Memorials: First United Methodist Church.

Victoria Advocate, March 16, 2000

Jean Thorp McNeil

Austin—Jean Thorp McNeil, 86, passed away January 15, 2016 in Austin, TX.

Born May 12, 1929 in Georgetown, TX to Cecil Walker Thorp and Dorothy Hope Penn Thorp, she graduated from Austin High School in 1947 and in 1952, she earned a degree in History from The University of Texas. On April 7, 1955, Jean married W. T. McNeil, who preceded her in death in 2000.

Jean is survived by two sons, Dan McNeil and his wife Carol of San Antonio, TX, and Will McNeil of Leander, TX, four grandsons, Aaron McNeil of San Antonio, Matt McNeil of Ft. Hood, TX, Luke McNeil and Parker McNeil both of Leander, TX., and a sister Ellen Thorp Cooper and her husband Jimmy of Austin, TX.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Cecil Walker Thorp and Dorothy Hope Penn Thorp, and her sister, Dorothy Ann Thorp McCabe.

Jean lived in Edna, TX for over 50 years and belonged to the First United Methodist Church of Edna and the Eleanor Brackenridge Literary Club.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Austin-Peel Funeral Home, 607 E. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX, 78752.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jackson County Helping Hands.

Victoria Advocate, January 21, 2016
 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar McNeil was the scene of a happy family reunion during the Christmas holidays. All of Mr. McNeil’s sisters and brothers were present, the first time they had been together in over 25 years. However, the gathering of the McNeil clan was not complete, as the two children of the house hold, Dr. Melba McNeil of Plainview and W. T. McNeil of the U. S. Navy, were absent. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. A. K. McNeil of Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. T. M. McNeil of Iraan, Mr. and Mrs. W. Z. Guess of Wharton, Mr. and Mrs. T. C. Butler of Houston, Miss Cornelia McNeil of San Antonio, and Mr. and Mrs. K. M. Butler of Houston.

Edna Weekly Herald, January 3, 1946
 

Our Boys In Service

W. T. McNeil, son of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar McNeil, another old Jackson County boy who has done a man’s part in the U. S. Navy, is at home ready to trade his uniform for civvies. W. T. looks as if he has grown a foot and gained 25 pounds.

Edna Weekly Herald, March 21, 1946
 

17 From Jackson Co. Attending A. & I.

From Edna: W. T. McNeil

Edna Weekly Herald, November 28, 1946
 

The following A. & I. students were here from Kingsville the past week to enjoy Thanksgiving with homefolks and friends: W. T. McNeil.

Edna Weekly Herald, December 5, 1946
 

W. T. McNeil, who is a law student at University of Texas, spent the Easter holidays with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. O. e. McNeil.

Edna Weekly Herald, March 29, 1951
 

W. T. McNeil, Edna Man, Announces For Representative

W. T. McNeil of Edna has authorized the announcement of his candidacy for Representative to the Texas Legislature from District 32.

W. T. is a member of a well known Jackson County family and has lived in this county all his life except for the time he spent in service and away at school. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. O. E. McNeil, reside six miles north of Edna, where his father has been engaged in farming and ranching activities for many years.

W. T. graduated from Edna High School in 1942. He entered the Navy in the early part of 1944 where he served for a period of 26 months. The greater part of this time was spent in the Pacific Theatre aboard the aircraft carrier U. S. S. Ticonderoga on which he served as gunner’s mate.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, W. T. entered college at Texas A. & I. at Kingsville and received his degree in business administration there in 1949. He was a member of the A. & I. football and track teams, and received a letter in both sports. In the fall of 1949 he entered the University of Texas School of Law and will receive his degree there in June. Among other activities at the law school, W. T. has served as president of the Student Bar Association his senior year. He received his license to practice law and became a member of the State Bar of Texas in December, 1951.

Upon graduation in June, W. T. plans to return to Edna and begin practicing law.

W. T. states he has no platform other than his desire to forward and protect the interests of the people of this district, and his only promise is that he will strive honestly and diligently to do so. He believes that these interests can be protected only by remaining completely free of political pressure groups and the lobbyists of the large business interests, since in these elements which have done most to take state government from the hands of the people where it properly belongs.

W. T. says he believes his background on the farm and ranch will better enable him to understand and cope with problems which confront the people of this district, since the great majority of the people are engaged in or at least interested in some phase of agriculture.

To the people of District 32, W. T. says: “I humbly and respectfully solicit your vote and your support in the coming election, and I hope that I will be able to meet each and everyone of you and make this request personally.

Edna Herald, April 17, 1952
 

County Races

W. T. McNeil of Edna and T. E. Dunnam of Bay City are seeking the legislative seat of the new district.

Edna Herald, May 8, 1952
 

McNeil Receives Top Honor Award

W. T. McNeil, University of Texas law student from Edna, has received the Phi Alpha Delta achievement award for “unselfish service in extra curricular functions that improve and promote the progress of law.” The award, a set of Supreme Court Reports, is annually given by Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Tom Clark.

Edna Herald, May 8, 1952
 

W. T. McNeil Joins Hamblen’s Firm

W. T. McNeil, young Edna attorney who received his law degree from the University of Texas several days ago, is now associated with Wm. H. Hamblen in the practice of law. Officers are in the La Bauve building.

McNeil, son of Mr. and Mrs. O. E. McNeil, prominent Jackson County farmers and ranchers, graduated from the Edna High School in 1942 and served 26 months in the Navy from 1944 – 1946. He entered Texas A. & I after leaving the Navy and received his B. A. degree in 1949. He entered the University law school that same fall.

While at Texas he was a president of the Student Bar Assn. He became a member of the State Bar of Texas in December of 1951.

Mr. Hamblen came to Edna in 1941 after six years at Alice. He also attended the University and, like McNeil, served in the Navy.

He has served as county Democratic chairman since 1943 and was assistant county Red Cross chairman for several years. He also headed the USO drive here for two years and served as appeal agent on the Draft Board. He has been county service officer to aid veterans since 1946.

Edna Herald, June 4, 1952
 

To the Voters of Jackson County:

Although I hope to see as many of you as possible before the Primary Election on July 26^th, there are some facts about my candidacy for the office of State Representative that I should like for you to know.

As you probably know, Jackson County is now in District 32, which is comprised of Jackson and Matagorda Counties. While we are no longer with Wharton County, we are still faced with the same problem we had while with that County—we are still outvoted by quite a large number of votes. The only way Jackson County can possible have one of its own citizens as its Representative is obvious—he must have enough votes from Matagorda County to offset the difference in the number of votes cast. Therefore, I am spending the greater part of my time in Matagorda County trying to get the votes necessary for me to win this election.

Due to the size of the district and also due to the fact that the beginning of my campaign was delayed until I finished school, I may not be able to contact each of you personally. However, I sincerely hope that you, the voters of Jackson County, will understand this situation and support me in this race.

IT IS TIME FOR JACKSON COUNTY TO HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM JACKSON COUNTY.

(Pol. Adv.)     W. T. McNeil

Edna Herald, June 26, 1952
 

W. T. McNeil of across the Navidad River was in Cordele doing a little politicking one day last week. He’s one candidate that Jackson County should not split over, if such a thing is possible. He ought to carry it by 100 per cent.

Edna Herald, July 3, 1952
 

W. T. McNeil Thanks Voters of County For Fine Support

To the Voters of Jackson County:

I wish to thank the voters of Jackson County for the overwhelming support given me in my race for State Representative. The confidence and faith which you showed in me and your loyalty to a candidate from your home county are things which I shall never forget. In return I shall do my best to represent you in a manner which will leave no room for you to regret having supported me. I shall serve you to the best of my ability.—W. T. McNeil

Edna Herald, July 31, 1952
 

Salvation Army To Launch Drive For Funds Shortly

…The drive for funds will begin next Thursday, Sept. 4, with a breakfast at 7:30 at the Legion Hall. W. T. McNeil  is chairman of this year’s campaign…

Edna Herald, August 28, 1952
 

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