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Tribute Wall
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Jennifer Landis posted a condolence
Monday, September 9, 2019
Hello, my condolences to everyone... In 1991, during my freshman year at Mingus, I was attacked and beaten outside of a football game by another student. As this took place, people gathered around for entertainment and watched without one person trying to defend me. When it was finally over, I was in shock and angry that nobody did anything to help and I yelled at the people selling tickets. Thats when I met Mr. O. When he heard what happened, he hurried over to assist me. His empathy and compassion showed in his eyes. He took me inside and let me call my mom, and waited until she got there. Angel in disguise!! RIP
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LaRee Glasgow (Combs) posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
The difference you made in the lives of so many is surely your best legacy. The speech class I took from John helped me throughout my career, I was able to speak in front of groups of 300 or more and remembered each time, his voice saying, "Nobody knows you are nervous unless you tell them." Thanks to the family for the time they might have spent with you when you were out coaching or teaching at the community college. You will be missed, always. You made the world a better place.
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Eric Hummel posted a condolence
Monday, August 12, 2019
What a wonderful teacher and great man. I have very fond memories of him and his superb sense of humor.
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Parker Miller posted a condolence
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Coach O'Donnell... it was nearly 50 years ago when I was a student of his at MUHS in Jerome, AZ. He was a teacher and a coach that was kind, fun, friendly, encouraging and motivating. Even though it was so long ago, I have fond memories of sitting in his English classes and running on his track and cross country teams. It was because of Coach O'D's personality and character that made school enjoyable; he certainly made a lasting impression on this young teenager and high school student. He was truly one of those teachers that made a positive difference in a student's life. May God bless his family and friends and I pray that He will give you comfort and peace during this time of loss and grief.
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Myakka Holladay posted a condolence
Thursday, August 8, 2019
John was incredibly kind and giving to me as a student. He encouraged me to work beyond my comfort zone and used such patience with us youngster even while fighting cancer in the late 80’s. He was always someone I will look up to as an inspirer of good ! He will be missed on this planet!
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James Bostwick posted a condolence
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Yes I read the obit's on a daily basis, as they inspire me (wish, I was an English teacher to help me out here). But there are few people who I come across who never have a bad thing to say about them and John (and maybe his friend John Udenich).Always looking out for other's, maybe student's, maybe dogs, maybe fellow teacher's in need of financial advice, but always looking out for other's! RIP O'D
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Rosemarie Babcock posted a condolence
Saturday, August 3, 2019
I'm so very sorry for you and your families loss Mrs.O'Donnell. I met John while working for a short time at Danza Del Sol Vet in Cottonwood. What an amazing human being John was! I remember how he took such good care of our "resident" Harvey, taking care of his treatment and coming every day to take Harvey out for walks. Harvey was in love with John! I'm so sad to hear of his passing, I so enjoyed meeting this beautiful soul and the many conversations I had with him. May God Bless you all!
Your all in my thoughts and prayers,
Rosemarie
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Dave and Nancy Kores posted a condolence
Friday, August 2, 2019
A legend is gone but will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers to Deanna and family.
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Nancy Scagnelli posted a condolence
Friday, August 2, 2019
I am sorry to hear of John’s passing. He brought us our dog, Lili, a Catahoula he had rescued. John was amazing with dogs - a dog whisperer for sure - and we enjoyed his visits when he would come to see Lili, always bringing along his new dog in training. I will miss the visits, the coffee and conversation. Condolences to Deanna and the family.
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Silvia Trujillo posted a condolence
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Mr O'DONNELL was one of the kindest person v when my husband Herbert passed away he wrote me the kindest letter
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Caleb Burkee posted a condolence
Thursday, August 1, 2019
John was an inspiring intellectual but just as inspiring as a kind compassionate and gentle human being. I am honored to be a student and friend of his. We all can be envious of how many people he had influenced to be their best over the years. Peaceful journeys old friend...
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Mike Rigsby posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
John Donnell was my freshman and Sophomore football coach at the end of the season my sophomore year he sat me down and said "Play football because you want to not to satisfy others" then he mused my red hair and. walked away. He was letting me know that football, not my strong suit and only play if it is what you want to do. Well, John, I took that message into my life. Thank you.
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Jan Nichols posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
John was a friend for decades. He & Deanna, my son, his wife & I had such good times throughout the years. We hiked, listened to good music, had long conversations and worked together on politics, and, of course, followed with great interest all the dogs and their placements.
Grief is strange. It's a surreal experience. Incredulous that such a force in all our lives can be gone.
Love to all the family!
Rest in power! Your spirit lives in us forever!
Jan Nichols
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Barry Etter posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
J. O'D - what an amazing teacher and mentor of English, track and cross country, and some invaluable life lessons. Your kindness and wit shall never be forgotten. Wish I could be there to say goodbye, but I will have to settle for running Copper Chief one more time (yes, in memory, not physically). Bless you and your family for all they have done for the Verde Valley and MUHS!!!
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Michael Miller posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
I'm so sad to hear of Coach O'Donnell's passing. I counted him as a friend as well as my teacher and coach. He was one of the principal reasons that my high school experience was so positive. He taught me not only formal education but also how to be an athlete and a competitor. I know he had the same influence on many others he met. His spirit will live on in the lives of others.
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Jim Eagan posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Coach O'Donnell was a wonderful mentor to me. There are a lot of fond memories of him cheering me on during cross country and track events. I was not that great of a runner but he inspired me to keep hacking at it. The habit grew on me and keeps me running today.
I had a chance to ride my bike with him last year during a trip to the Verde Valley. We had a cup of coffee together and had a chance to reminisce. His sense of humor was awesome and I will really miss wonderful human being.
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Detta Marshall posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Rest in paradise my dear English teacher. Your patience and kindness made an indelible impression on the lives of so many kids in this Valley.
Most people pass through this life without much notice… As an educator, coach, and so many other things, I know we all join together in saying...
YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE!!!
Our town was better because you passed through here!!!
We are forever indebted to you!!!
Your memory will forever be part of us...the best part!!!
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John Smith ( Mudder)) posted a condolence
Monday, July 29, 2019
When you first came to MUHS all of bbn us had our doubts but as the old saying goes You surely proved us wrong. As I remember I invited you to the gym to box and you said you couldn't and I told you just you and me no one else well we started just sparing and I tagged you pretty good but that is the last thing I remember, sure w ok old have been nice to if you told me you used to spar with Zora Folley. God I will miss you at Randall's o. WEDNESDAY. H2H2
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Paula Allred Robinson posted a condolence
Monday, July 29, 2019
Mr O’Donnell was my track coach in high school. He was gentle, kind, supportive and generous with his praise and wisdom. I believe he was the second person after my dad to truly help me feel that I mattered and was important. The world and youth have lost a great mentor.
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Laurie (Wombacher) Inglehart posted a condolence
Monday, July 29, 2019
Even though I never had the privilege of having Mr. O’Donnell as my teacher at Mingus, I was fortunate enough to have John as my neighbor growing up. We spent countless hours riding bikes out to Peck’s Lake and Tuzigoot; catching tomato worms and grasshoppers to feed to our other neighbor’s chickens; and, all in all, just being buddies. When it came time for me to attend Mingus, Mr. O’Donnell, was like many other teachers at the high school that I had been blessed to know outside of the normal school atmosphere. Since my father taught at the high school as well, I was fortunate enough to know many of our school’s amazing instructors outside of the “classroom”. John was special to me. He was profoundly intelligent, super witty, incredibly compassionate and his booming laugh will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace, John. My sincerest condolences to DeAnna and the rest of his family.
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Annette (Cooka) Vetsch posted a condolence
Monday, July 29, 2019
My dearest condolences to the O'Donnell family. Mr. O'Donnell was a great mentor and coach. I was on the track team and cross country team. I lived across the creek from him by the train depot in Clarkdale. He would take me and my brothers home from a cross country meet if our ride was late. Never a dull moment with him, a lot of laughs and jokes. I will cherish the memories of him and check out the clouds how swiftly they run.. For my coach Mr. O'Donnell.
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Chad Christensen posted a condolence
Monday, July 29, 2019
One of my favorite teachers at MUHS. Gentle soul who challenged you to think.
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