John was a devoted family man with a heart of gold. He was generous, kind, funny and brought so much light and love to those who knew him. He was an avid golfer and loved being active – perpetually looking for an opportunity to get moving. He was always on hand to whip up a batch of his Irish Fudge or smoke a rack of his signature ribs. He inspired many with his unwavering work ethic and salt of the earth personality. He loved and lived fiercely.
He was born February 3rd, 1942, in Gethsemane, KY one of eleven children born to the late Josephine Boone O’Daniel and John H. O’Daniel.
John retired upon returning to Texas in 2001 to focus on his family and commitment to the Catholic Church. He attended St. Catherine of Siena regularly, was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 8156, 17-year volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity Catholic Diocese builds and loved his group of friends. John was a captain in the Army, serving multiple tours in Vietnam, and a devout patriot in service to his country.
In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by brothers, Phillip and Morris O’Daniel; nephews Phillip, Josh and Matthew; nieces Shannon and Leah.
John is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Marilyn; two children, Ward and Andrea; Son-in-Law, Eric Crotts; two grandchildren, Taylor and Spencer (Baley); two great-grandchildren, Hudson and Polly; eight siblings, Deanna O'Daniel, Jimmy O'Daniel (Nikki), Marty Jones, Theresa Prestigiacomo (Jamie), Tony O'Daniel, Annie McDonald (Terry), Bill O'Daniel (Angela), Pat O'Daniel; Sisters-in Law, Helen and Mary (Charles) and multiple nieces and nephews. He was loved and will be missed by so many.
Rosary will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Austin, on Wednesday, January 26th at 6:00 p.m. with viewing starting at 5:00.
Funeral services will also be held at St. Catherine on Thursday, January 27th at 10:00 a.m. Wake to follow at Shady Hollow Community Center (3303 Doe Run, Austin, TX 78748). Arrangements are being made by Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in the form of contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 8156, Central Texas Charitable Works Foundation. (ctcwaustin.org)
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com for the O'Daniel family.
