Robert David O’Donnell
Robert “Bob” David O’Donnell, age 70, passed away peacefully at home May 18, 2024 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Bob was a fighter and never wanted to give up. He was born to the late Raymond Sr and Mary (Rowland) O’Donnell May 16, 1952 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Robert married Debra (Chappelear) O’Donnell October 26, 1985. Bob is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Megan O’Donnell; sisters-in-laws Grace and Edith O’Donnell; brother-in-law, Steve Masters; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Rilla Chappelear.
Robert is survived by his wife of 38 years, Debra O’Donnell; children, Ryan (Brock) Taylor, Shaun (Natalie) O’Donnell, and Molly (Cory) Hughes; grandchildren, Brody, McKenna, and Teagan Taylor, Landon, Madalyn, Addyson O’Donnell, Harrison, and Garrett Hughes; siblings Ray (Linda) O’Donnell, Kim (Nick) Farber; Chris (Jean) O’Donnell, and Jeff O’Donnell; brother-in-law Mike (TJ) Chappelear, sister-in-laws Karen Masters, and Lora (Bob) Pearson, and many nieces and nephews.
Bob was a class of ’72 graduate of DeVilbiss High School in Toledo, Ohio, and graduated from THE Ohio State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Wildlife Management. While at Ohio State he was on the soccer team.
Bob was truly an outdoorsman and conservationist at heart, which led him to his career at the Ohio Division of Wildlife. He worked as a Wildlife Officer, and then transitioned to the Wildlife Area Manager of Delaware, Big Island, and Kokosing Wildlife Areas where he retired after 28 years. While Area Manager, he expected a lot out of his crew but treated them as family. The Ohio Division of Wildlife recently named the “O’Donnell Wetlands Restoration & Treatment Train” at Delaware after Bob for his hard work and dedication to improve the environment. In January of 2024, Bob received the Wildlife Award in recognition of a lifetime commitment to improving and maintaining the habitat and natural resources of the state of Ohio.
After retirement, Bob went on to start his own business ‘Grassland Restoration on Ohio Waterways’ (GROW) where he planted 1,000’s of acres of prairie grass across Ohio preserving farmland for future generations.
Along with being an outdoorsman, he was also a very kind and giving person. Bob loved the outdoors, whether it was camping, hunting, fishing, or just sitting out and enjoying the frogs. The love for the outdoors is something he instilled in his family. He was always involved in his children and grandchildrens’ lives supporting them in sporting events and all activities. He never missed an opportunity to take them on an outdoor adventure. He loved them more than anything and always put them first. He was the best Papa to all of his grandchildren. Bob generously volunteered his time. He helped coach various youth sports teams in the Elgin & Marion areas. He was an Eagle Scout and was heavily involved in local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts programs. Bob led two Philmont Scout Camp expeditions as a Scout and later one with his son, Shaun. He would volunteer to read at Elgin schools and helped lead classes at Camp Ohio for grades 4-6. He also taught hunter safety courses in Marion county. After retirement, he volunteered at the local prison and helped start the Master Gardener and Aquaponics Program. He was named volunteer of the year while assisting with these programs. Bob never saw the bad in anyone, but always the potential they could have.
Things you can count on with Bob: he might be late, might get lost, might have an opinion, however he would give you the shirt off his back and socks off his feet if needed. He always put everyone before himself. He never knew a stranger and valued every human being. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Wyandot Memorial Hospital and Ohio Health physicians and staff that cared for him during this courageous battle. The family would also like to thank Tranquility Hospice for their comfort and compassion.
There will be a celebration of life gathering at Waldo Sportsman Club, 735 Waldo-Western Road in Prospect, Ohio on May 31st, from 4pm-7pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Nature Conservancy or to the World Wildlife Fund. Moments of remembrance may be left online at www.cremationservicesofohio.com.
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