O'Neil LaReau,age 80 of Vernon, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus.

Mr. LaReau was born March 23, 1931, in Kanka Kee, IL to the late Claude and Arbella LaReau. He served in Korean Conflict, enjoyed gardening, and was retired from Tredager Coop Aluminum Products.

Visitation will be Thursday 6-9 at the funeral home. There will be a fuuneral mass Tuesday at 10:00 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Beaverville, IL with burial in the adjoining cemetery. Visitation will be Monday 4-7 at the church. Baier Funeral Home in Watseka, IL is in charge of the funeral mass.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Colburn LaReau, of Vernon; son, Brent (Julie) LaReau of Watseku, IL; two daughters, Linda (Clay Caldwell) Watts of Little Rock, AR and Lisa Suver of Woodland, IL; five step-children Bobby (Sue) Colburn of Arnold, MO, David (Sandy) Colburn of Vernon, Nancy (Randy) Reeves of Fayette, Wayne (Anita) Colburn of Amory, MS, and Billie Jean (Dave) Moore of Northport, AL; 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Billie LaReau; his parents; brother, Roger LaReau, sister-in-law, Barbara LaReau; step-son, Leroy Colburn; and one great-grandchild.