Hugh Daniel “Dan” O’Neill

Funeral Mass for Hugh Daniel (Dan) O’Neill, 67, of Midland, will be held on Saturday, May 13th, 2023, at 10:00 in the morning at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 1906 W. Texas Avenue, Midland, Texas, followed by a reception. The interment will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park, 4616 N. Big Spring. Dan passed away on Wednesday, May 3rd, surrounded by loved ones following a brief illness.

Dan was born November 16th, 1955, at Midland Memorial Hospital to James A. and Wilma Lee (Billie) O’Neill, the sixth of their eight children and their first native Texan.

Dan attended St. Ann’s Catholic School, San Jacinto Junior High, and graduated from Midland High School in 1974. As a 1973 Midland High Bulldog football squad member, Dan and his team enjoyed one of the few wins over Odessa Permian in the school’s history.

Dan attended Texas Tech University, graduating with a degree in business. A Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity member, Dan remained close to many of his fraternity brothers through the years. These men often enjoyed one another’s company on their trips to Terlingua and Sweetwater.

After graduation, Dan returned to Midland as an independent landman, a job Dan was made for with his affable personality and knowledge of the industry. Dan was quick with a story of the many personalities he met in his pursuit of oil and gas leases and was a mentor to many up-and-coming landmen throughout his career.

Dan lit up every room he entered, and he could always be counted on to tell colorful stories, strum his guitar, give a lesson in shooting craps, or just sit and enjoy your company. Dan’s charm, wit, and presence made him an exceptional friend, and Dan remained close to countless people over his lifetime.

Dan’s greatest pride and joy was his family. Dan is survived by his wife, Debbie O’Neill (née Gentry) of Midland, and his three children, Ryan Elder of Converse, Jennifer Sell (Taylor) of Midland, and Meggie O’Neill of Austin. Affectionately known as Grand Dan to his grandchildren, he will be greatly missed by granddaughters Kennedy and Caroline, and grandson Griffin.

Dan is survived by his siblings, Mary Beth O’Neill of Dallas, Kathleen O’Neill–Smith of Dallas, Laura Sue Hoover (Sid) of Seattle, Jim O’Neill (Jackie) of Fort Collins, Colorado, Bill O’Neill (Ann Marie) of Coppell, and Peggy Howard (Neal) of Katy, along with many nieces and nephews, as well as his Aunt Detta O’Neill Kretchmar, and numerous cousins.

Dan was preceded in death by his sister Sally Anne Boles and his parents, Billie and Jimmy. Dan was a wonderful caregiver and companion to his dad, Jimmy, after Billie’s death. Dan also enjoyed joining his dad onstage as the drummer for the Texas Plainsmen and working alongside his dad in the oil business.

Dan was privileged to receive a liver transplant in 2016, and his family is indebted to the donor’s family for allowing Dan seven additional years with those he loved. Throughout this time, Reece Brown was Dan’s primary caregiver. In addition, Dan’s sister Kathleen served as Dan’s healthcare manager and worked tirelessly to care for her brother. The family also wishes to thank Eugemia (Feme) Caden for her care of Dan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider becoming an organ donor (organdonor.gov) or donating in Dan’s memory to Hospice of Midland (hospiceofmidland.org) or your favorite charity.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com

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