Search by Name
Menu
Search by Name
Feb. 14, 1921 – March 10, 2013
Tom was born on Valentine's Day,1921, the first of five children born to Thomas and Kathryn O'Donnell of Kansas City, MO. Tom joined the Navy in June of 1940, and was aboard the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941. When she capsized early in the battle, Tom swam to the USS Maryland and continued the fight.
Tom was next stationed on the USS Northampton, where he participated in the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo and the battle of Midway. Before midnight on Nov. 30, 1942, the Northampton was sunk off Guadalcanal, and Tom spent several hours in the water before being rescued. He returned to Kansas City on leave, during which time he married his childhood sweetheart, Wilma Allen, on her 18th birthday. Shortly after, he was posted to the USS Iowa in the Atlantic, where things were much quieter. Tom retired from the Navy in 1962, but he never left the maritime environment, working at Mare Island and Martinack Ship Builders in Washington for several years.
Tom and Wilma were married for 54 years. Wilma preceeded him in death in 1996. Tom's many interests included racing pidgeons, playing the accordion, piano, harmonica, and guitar, raising cattle and rabbits, and bowling. He was a 40 year member of the Fleet Reserve Association, and the Oklahoma and Northampton Ships Associations.
Tom was preceded by his sister, Kathyrn (Ross), and leaves behind sisters, Maryann (Sullivan) of Overland Park, KS, Patricia (Harris) of Ft. Worth, TX; brother, Michael (Auburn, WA); children, Thomas O'Donnell lll (Vallejo), Edward O'Donnell (Bakersfield), Wilma O'Donnell-Jacques (Vallejo); grandchildren, Amy, Paul, Bill, Scott, Ike, Brandy and Francisca, and 14 great-grandchildren.
Eight bells sailor, well done.
A memorial service with full military honors will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, March 21, at Twin Chapels Mortuary, 1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo. Inurnment will be private at Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery, Dixon.
Please visit the online tribute at www.TwinChapelsMortuary.com.
Cremation and arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary (707) 552-6696.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
What a character Tom is... Heaven just got a little more interesting! So glad he is now in comfort and with the love of his life Surely, he will be missed and always loved. Blessings to all the family! I have you in my prayers.
April 3, 2013
Wilma and family, our sincerest sympathies on the loss of your father. What a courageous and wonderful man! May God bless you and bring you peace.
Cathy (Hollister) Kenny
March 18, 2013
Wilma, I was so sorry to hear about your father. At a time like this words are never enough. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Val Tedesco-Brady
Valerie Tedesco-Brady
March 18, 2013
Wilma and Family,
I was sorry to read of the passing of your father. I did not realize it but our fathers' paths crossed several times at very critical points. My father served aboard the Hornet CV8. Our fathers made the trip to Tokyo as part of Task Force 16 for Doolittle's Raid. They were both at the Battle of Midway. They were both involved in the Guadalcanal campaign where their ships were sunk. They both retired from the Navy. I wonder if they knew each other. You should be very proud of your father's service to his country. Our fathers served at a critical point in the war at a time when they faced superior odds. May God bless your father. I will be praying for you and your family.
With my warmest regards,
John Kuykendall
John Kuykendall
March 17, 2013
I love you so much grandpa , will miss are talks we had........heres some peoms to take with you grandpa, for you loved when i read to you them.
Gone but not forgotten, Always in Our Hearts
Although your life has passed on earth
we will continue to cherish your memories
even though it hurts.
As every tear that falls from our eyes,
is like to hear your laugh one more time.
You're an angel that has passed us by,
so sadly you left us,
broken hearted inside.
Just know that we loved you and
cherished your life,
and we will always miss you in our hearts
you'll never die.
This is not goodbye,
it is see you again at heavens gates
OUR BELOVED GRANDFATHER,
to you our love we send.
In The Rain, Tears , Broken Heart
In the rain I stood taking my last few breaths,
just standing their thinking about the last words you said
"IT'S OVER, I WANNA GO HOME "
now my mind has gone half crazy for you GRANDPA.
We used to laugh and hug, but now you gone to heaven.
In the rain I stood with flashbacks of you & me having fun.
So in the rain I stood wondering
if you are ever got to know how much
I loved you Grandpa !
I loved you then , I loved when I was growning up,
I loved you as a Woman now, I'll love you
until My Last breathe in life,
Until we meet again in HEAVEN's GATES
with arms wide open to welcome me home.
Francisca O'Donnell
March 16, 2013
Wilma and family- our sympathy and love to you all. Tom lived life to the fullest. Marilyn and. Celia carmichael
Matilyn Carmichael
March 16, 2013
Thank you, Tom, for patience, caring and friendship. All though I didn't always make the right moves, you never wavered in your friendship and trust. Thank you for your love for Scott
Dennis Lyle
March 16, 2013
We love you grandpa. I hope you are happy, healthy and well with grandma.
Scott
March 16, 2013
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more