H. Patrick O'Donnell

Patrick was raised in Algiers on the West Bank of New Orleans. He was Jesuit educated, graduating with honors from Jesuit High School in 1956, then earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Loyola University New Orleans. While there he was a member of the Blue Key National Honor Fraternity, and President of his Alpha Delta Gamma fraternity. Upon graduation, Patrick served in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant during the height of the Cold War. While stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, he earned a master’s degree from Texas Western College of the University of Texas.

Known affectionately (and at times not-so-affectionately) as “Mr. O’D” to multiple generations of students, Patrick dedicated his life to teaching English, literature and composition at a variety of institutions including Nichols State University, Brother Martin High Schol, Holy Savior Menard, Alexandria Senior High, and LSU-Alexandria. He seemed particularly drawn toward students that didn’t realize their own potential, challenging them to do better and to believe in themselves.

Patrick was a proud Louisianian who lived a beautiful Louisiana experience. He was the lead singer of a high school band (The Dominos) that included the future Dr. John. He was on the English faculty at Dominican College with John Kennedy Toole. He religiously followed the New Orleans Saints, from the stands of old Tulane Stadium to his later home in Alexandria, carefully tracking wins and losses in a cut-out schedule from the Alexandria Daily Town Talk, always listening to each game on WWL. He was a dedicated citizen, following all levels of government in the paper and magazines, voting in EVERY election, whether for the POTUS or for proposed changes to Rapides Parish mill tax rates. He was an avid reader and gardener.

Above all, Patrick loved his family, who miss him greatly. He is survived by his children: daughter Erin O’Donnell of Hattiesburg, MS; daughter Kay O’Donnell of Houston, TX; son Brian O’Donnell of Katy, TX; and daughter Elizabeth O’Donnell Will of Mobile, AL; his son-in-law Eduardo Young of Hattiesburg, MS; his son-in-law Dustin Coleman of Houston, TX; and his daughter-in-law Chika O’Donnell of Katy, TX; his four grandchildren, Max Coleman, Noah Will, Fiona O’Donnell and Sean O’Donnell. Patrick is also survived by his four siblings: Michael O’Donnell of San Juan Capistrano, CA; Kathleen Gendusa of Baton Rouge, LA; Terrance O’Donnell of Mandeville, LA; Kerry O’Donnell of Granada Hills, CA; as well as his dear siblings-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. Patrick was preceded in death by his father, Charles Howard O’Donnell, and mother, Florence O’Donnell.

Patrick will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony in New Orleans in June.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Patrick’s memory can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, c/o St. Rita Catholic Church, 3822 Bayou Rapides Rd, Alexandria, LA 71303.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.katyfh.com for the O'DONNELL family.