O'NEAL, VERNON - 1931-2008 - After a courageous battle with diabetes and kidney failure, Vernon Leonard O'Neal of California Settlement passed away peacefully at Victoria Glen Manor on March 29, 2008. Born in California Settlement on October 28, 1931, he was the son of the late John and Leitha (Kinney) O'Neal. Vernon leaves behind his daughter, Lois (Jeff) DeMerchant of Perth-Andover; his son, Hal (Vikki Martin) O'Neal; his sister, Erma Wright of Vermont; his brothers, James (Kathy) O'Neal and John (Sharon) O'Neal, both of Caribou, ME; his grandchildren, Michael Murphy (Vicki Everett) and Jamie (Christina Stewart) both of Aroostook, Corey DeMerchant of Toronto, ON; one great grandson, Landen DeMerchant; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Theresa O'Neal (Ledwith); his daughters, Janet and Lorna O'Neal. Vernon grew up in California Settlement and spent his early years working for farmers in nearby Maine. He tried his hand at farming, but his true calling was his trucks and the construction business. He was a pioneer in the exporting of sand and gravel to the United States until his retirement in 2004. Resting at Brunswick Funeral Home with visitation on Monday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2008, at 11 am from Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Aroostook. Father Gilbert Doddatto officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. For those who wish, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to the Kidney Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Arrangments by Brunswick Funeral Home, Perth-Andover. www.brunswickfuneralhome.ca