Oney Yendrey Obituary

Oney Noyeal Yendrey, 92, of Brazoria, Texas passed away peacefully on October 16, 2024. Oney was born on June 24, 1932 to Alfred Oney and Lillie Mae Yendrey in the Arenosa Community of Edna, Texas. He grew up in a farming (share cropper) community. Although born during "The Great Depression" period of hard times, this would come to be the core foundation creating wisdom, knowledge and work ethics that would carry with him for the rest of his life and work career.
During his teenage years, he lived with a very special uncle and aunt (Uncle Ray and Aunt Mavis Hart). Also for a period, he worked for the "Dietz Dairy Farm" in Cuero, TX where Mr. Lawrence T. Dietz entrusted many responsibilities of the farm including driving the milk truck as Oney was dedicated, trustworthy and a hard worker taking on all jobs entrusted to him. These were two periods of his life that he fondly spoke of and how these special people had such positive impact on his life.
Oney enlisted in the Air Force in 1952 and retired in 1972. During his 20 year Air Force career, he developed and became an aircraft mechanic where he obtained the rank of master sergeant (MSgt) and served as a flight chief over a squadron. His military service carried him to various assignments including Indochina, Vietnam and Korea (The Cold War). During his time of service, he received many recognitions and medals. His love for serving his country never wavered. He once said to his family, "If they didn't enlist they missed it. I thank God every day I did it."
During the beginning of his Air Force career in Austin, Texas, he met the love of his life, Peggy LaNell Maas. They married on February 13,1953 and later would have two daughters. His military career and after retirement, resulted in many travels living in various states and abroad. No matter where he lived or his age, Oney's first love was spending time with his family, sharing hobbies of enjoying music, dancing (to include being a square dance club member), fishing, boating, cooking, barbequing, leather tooling, carpentry, gardening and canning to share with family and friends. He could grow bountiful amounts of vegetables, flowers including "Bird of Paradise" and even built a hot house where he propagated and grew orchids. The grandchildren have fond memories growing up of family gatherings at pawpaw's home with his smoker going, music playing, horseshoes and yard croquet set up and his donkey "Pepe" ready to ride. Later in life after losing his wife Peggy, he adopted a dog who he named "Rainy". Rainy was the most special dog and would become his life companion for 16 years from 2008 to 2024. Anything Oney set his mind to accomplish, he did even to include his passion to develop artist skills in oil painting. In 2002, he returned to the "Dietz Dairy", in Cuero, Texas, where he presented the family with a painting of their homeplace. He was always available to provide a helping hand and support to family and friends in all situations of life. His steadfast love for his family, his shared hobbies, sound counsel, support and mentorship will leave an unwavering impression on his family and friends who knew him one that will never fade.
Oney leaves behind a cherished legacy and is survived by his daughters Twyla (Paul) Hund, Lisa (Marshal) Finley, grandchildren Amber (Matt) Todd, Danica (Justin) Johnson, Paige (Andy) Gilbert, Brandon Finley and six great grandchildren Rowan, Reagan, Luke, Nora, Riley and Jack
Oney was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Peggy, his parents, brother, sister and his special dog and life companion "Rainy",
A visitation for family and friends to honor Oney's life will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Heritage Funeral Home, 1901 W. Wallace St., San Saba, TX followed by a cemetery service with military honors at the San Saba City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers if family and friends desire, donations can be made in memory of Oney Noyeal Yendrey to the following registered non-profit charities:
Air Force Aid Society 1550 Crystal Drive, Suite 809 Arlington, VA 22202 Phone:(703) 972-2650 Website address: afas.org
Cherokee Home for Children P.O. Box 295 Cherokee, TX 76832 Phone: (325) 622-4201 Website address: Chc4kids.org