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Charles E. O'Donnell passed away peacefully Sunday, March 17, 2013, in Las Cruces, surrounded by family. He was born in Raton, N.M. on July 6, 1929, to William and Marie O'Donnell and was a lifelong resident of New Mexico, having spent the majority of his life in the Las Cruces area. Charles attended Las Cruces public schools and graduated from Las Cruces Union High School in 1948. He went on to attend Colorado A & M, where he earned a bachelor's degree in animal husbandry and participated in ROTC. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer into the U.S. Army. While in college, he met his wife-to-be, Louise White. They were married May 1, 1953, in the bride's hometown, Hygiene, Colo. Soon after, he served at Camp Carson and Fort Sill and was sent to Korea. Upon completing his military service, Charles and Louise bought property north of Cliff, N.M., where they farmed for 11 years. They eventually moved to Las Cruces with their five children. Charles entered the real estate business in 1965 and, within a few years, started his own brokerage. After a successful career, he retired in the mid 80s. Charles also served four terms as a Doña Ana County commissioner. Throughout his life, he enjoyed the outdoors. He liked fishing, boating, camping and gardening. He was also a history and geography enthusiast. He's preceded in death by his parents, William and Marie O'Donnell; his grandson, Sean O'Donnell; and his brother-in-law, Herbert Greathouse. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Louise; his sister, Pat Greathouse; his children, Sarah Chabot (Mike) of Ft. Morgan, Colo., Michael O'Donnell (Samantha) of Las Cruces, Kathryn Alba (Daniel) of southwest New Mexico, Scott O'Donnell (Janet) of Dallas, Texas, and Kenny O'Donnell of Snyder, Colo. He's also survived by nine grandchildren, Amanda Chabot, Michael Chabot, Brigit Dooley, Eric O'Donnell, Brian O'Donnell, Diana Alba Soular, Zane Alba, Christina O'Donnell, and Brandon O'Donnell; and six great-grandchildren. He's survived, too, by his nieces, Patricia Greathouse, Susan Barrett, Mary Beth Britton, and Betty Lou Valdez. A private service will be held for family.
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3 Entries
Cousin Charley passed away on St. Patrick's Day. He must be having a great time sharing stories with his Irish ancestors in Heaven.
Joice and Bill Franklin
March 27, 2013
Louise & family,
How sorry we were to see Charles's obituary. He was always such a kind and friendly neighbor to us. My kids (Dusty, Ashley & Merci) all have wonderful memories of his terrific smelling tobacco pipe. May he rest in peace with all the good works he has done here on earth. Peace & comfort to all he left behind.
Teddie Payne-Riehl
March 26, 2013
My deepest condolences to the O'Donnell family and Pat Greathouse.May prayers go to you all, may you rest in peace Mr. O'Donnell.
Margaret Cano-Roybal
March 23, 2013
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