Tobin Scott O'Donnell

Born on the 17th of September 1979, in Houston, Texas, Tobin was the cherished youngest child of Janet and Kenneth O’Donnell, and beloved brother to Denise O’Donnell Evans and Kenneth O’Donnell, Jr. Growing up in Tanglewood, Tobin spent his childhood exploring the bayous and ravines with his close-knit group of friends, bonds he maintained throughout his life.

A devoted follower of Christ, Tobin’s life was guided by deep faith, compassion, and integrity. He attended St. Michael Catholic School until sixth grade and graduated from The Kinkaid School. After two years at SMU, he transferred to the University of Texas at Austin, joining his future wife, Heidi Neusel of Beaumont, Texas, whom he met during his freshman year. They married in 2004 and built a beautiful life together.

Tobin began his professional journey in finance, development, and operations at Ley Wilson Development, where he led the construction of multiple subdivisions. He later earned his MBA from Rice University and joined Oceaneering International, Inc. With his brother Kenny, Tobin co-founded Colton Capital Partners, where he played a key role in building several successful oilfield service companies. After exiting those ventures, he shifted Colton’s focus to investing in independent sponsors, searchers, and various funds. Always humble, Tobin never sought recognition for his hard work and accomplishments.

Above all, Tobin’s greatest joy was his family. He was an unconditionally loving husband, devoted father, loyal brother, and steadfast friend. He was immensely proud of his children, Lawson and Hudson, and was their biggest supporter—coaching, cheering, and advocating for them in every aspect of their lives. Whether hunting, fishing, or simply spending time together, Tobin cherished every moment with his family.

As a friend, Tobin was honest, kind, and endlessly generous. He had a unique ability to make everyone feel special, and those who met him often left saying he was their new favorite person. Tobin was always the first to offer help, a fierce defender, and the most loyal companion anyone could hope for.

Tobin’s legacy of faith, humility, and love will live on in all who were fortunate to know him.

Left to cherish his memory are Tobin’s devoted wife, Heidi Neusel O’Donnell; their two children, Lawson and Hudson; his mother and father, Janet and Ken O’Donnell; his sister Denise and her husband, Ramsey Evans; and his brother Kenny O’Donnell and his wife, Katie. Also surviving Tobin are his in-laws, Sharon and Edward Neusel; five nieces, seven nephews, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon, on Friday, the 11th of July at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, where The Rev. Martin J. Bastian is to officiate.

For those unable to attend the service in person, virtual attendance may be accessed by selecting “Join Livestream” icon in the service section below. While here, you may also share memories and words of comfort with the family by selecting “Add a Memory” icon below.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be made to St. Martin's Episcopal Church online at https://www.stmartinsepiscopal.org/give-main/memorial-gifts/honorarium-or-memorial-information/ or mailed to the address below; re:MIND online at https://www.remindsupport.org/; or Texas Children’s Hospital online at https://www.texaschildrens.org/givetoday or mailed to the address below. Please note Tobin O’Donnell in the memo line or online. You can also find links to both organizations under the "Donations" heading below.