Charlotte Darlene O'Neal

Charlotte “Darlene” O’Neal, age 82, of Newton, Kansas, passed away at her home on January 6, 2026.

Darlene was born in Atchison, Kansas, on February 5, 1943 to Jesse and Mary (Yackey) Betts. On February 17, 1962 she married her love, Harold Dale O’Neal, Sr. Together, they raised their children; Gail, Kent, Pete, Kevin, and Gayla. Darlene was a devoted wife and loved being a mother. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, and later her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.

Darlene was preceded in death by her dear husband, Harold; both parents, Jesse and Mary; sons, Kent O’Neal and Harold “Pete” O’Neal, Jr.; daughter, Gayla Jackson; and several brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughter, Melinda “Gail” O’Neal; son, Kevin O’Neal (Stacy Baron); sister, Theresa Ernzen, of Atchinson, Kansas; sister, Doris Holloway, of St. Joseph, Missouri; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom loved her very much.

A funeral for Darlene will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the chapel at Petersen Family Funeral Home, Newton, Kansas. Burial will follow at Restlawn Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Newton. Family will greet friends and loved ones just before the service, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Petersen Family Funeral Home to assist the family with final expenses.