Van Buren County is mourning the loss of Neal Wayne O’Neal, 78, a longtime educator. 

O’Neal was a tenured educator who retired as superintendent of schools with the Van Buren County School System. According to school system records, O’Neal was hired as an educator in 1979, promoted to principal in 1985, and was named superintendent in 1996. 

“He was one of my favorite teachers,” said Cheryl Cole, current director of schools in Van Buren County. “He taught American history and economics when I had him in high school. He loved kids. He was strict though. If you were caught in the hall, you better have a note. He’d nail you if not. He’d be watching for anyone in the hallway. He was strict, but you knew he cared about you. You knew he’d go above and beyond to help you anyway that he could.”

Cole graduated in 1983. She credits O’Neal as the motivating factor behind her teaching career.

“There were no teacher positions to be had,” said Cole, who went to work for the Department of Children’s Services. “When one position did open, I applied. Mr. O’Neal was principal at that time. He was influential in my being hired for that position. I thought the world of Mr. O’Neal. He was a good person to me. He was.” 

Fire consumed Van Buren County High School on Oct. 3, 1988. O’Neal was principal at that time. Classes were held at Camp Clements in various cabins, until 1990 when the new high school opened its doors. 

When asked about a fond memory of O’Neal, Cole chuckled and pointed to the school’s time at Camp Clements. 

“For a time when he was principal and the school burned, classes were held at Camp Clements,” said Cole. “I was working at DCS at the time. I had to go there to interview children. Not sure if you’ve been to Camp Clements, but it has hills. He’d ride a golf cart around to get from classroom to classroom. He’d come zooming down a hill going 90 mph. It was so funny to see him on that golf cart.” 

Gene Brock, owner of Brock’s Photography and Van Buren County historian, befriended O’Neal more than 20 years ago. 

“We were real good friends,” Brock said. “I have known him for 25 years. I was a photographer and did school pictures. Neal was always helpful. If the kids were coming through the lines and didn’t do what they needed to do, he would straighten them out. He was an excellent principal and a good superintendent. He was strict but fair. If he had to get onto a student, the next day they’d hug him. They knew he cared about them.” 

O’Neal retired on July 1, 2006 after 27 years with the Van Buren County School System.