Obituary of John Harrison O'Donnell

John Harrison "Harry" O’Donnell departed this world on February 13, 2021 in Houston, Texas at the age of 88. He was born to Roy and Anita Marie Hebert O’Donnell on August 1, 1932. He grew up in the city of Southside Place and attended West University Elementary, St. Vincent de Paul Middle and St. Thomas High schools.

Harry served 2 years in the US Army during the Korean War, earning two Bronze Stars and had many interesting stories to tell about those years. In 1954, upon returning to Houston, he went to work for the Southern Pacific Railroad and retired 35 years later.

Harry was a lifelong member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and loved to tell the story that the founding families met in his parent’s dining room to plan the new parish. He lived in the Deerwood Gardens community for over 30 years, served on the board for numerous years and knew almost everyone there.

Harry loved many things; dogs, good food, nice cars, friends and family. His favorite dog was Killer, his Shih Tzu, followed by Vickey’s Bonnie Bell.

Harry also loved a good restaurant and enjoyed making friends with the owners, managers, and staff. He knew most well enough to be greeted by name on arrival. He was especially fond of Taste of Texas, Treebeards, Kolache Shoppe, Qin Dynasty and Cleburne. When it became harder for him to get around, the staff at Treebeards would hold a downtown parking space for him.

He loved cars and took immaculate care of his red Cadillac. He was always the first to volunteer to help his friends and family select a new one. He loved to visit his brother’s company, Houston Petroleum and his nephew‘s company, Bridgeway Software. He would drop by several times a week just to check in and everyone knew him. When both companies were sold, he began to make family house calls.

Harry is survived by his brother, Richard "Dick" and wife, Jo Ann Gresham O’Donnell; sisters-in-law, Vickey Markwardt O’Donnell, Carolyn Wilson O’Donnell, and numerous nieces and nephews. He joins in heaven his parents and siblings; Alice Marie O’Donnell, Thomas Roy O’Donnell, and William Timothy "Tim" O’Donnell.

A visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., with a Rosary at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., on March 1, 2021, in the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway in Houston, Texas. The Rite of Committal will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale in Houston, Texas.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are John O’Donnell, Shannon O’Donnell, Kyle O’Donnell, Patrick O’Donnell, Michael O’Donnell, Richard O’Donnell, Jeremy Tushnet and Marc Tushnet.