Paul O’Donnell, 73, of Gulfport, FL passed away in his home on January 29, 2015.
Paul is survived by his wife of 33 years, Donna; two daughters, Deborah and Stephanie; and three grandchildren, Elijah, Leila, and Abigail.
Paul proudly served with the 82nd Airborne Division. He loved his family and his country. Making people laugh was one of his favorite things and he was great at it. His ability to make others laugh and being honest to himself were very important to him.
Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”, one of his favorite songs has a stanza that pretty much sums up Paul’s outlook on life.
“For what is a man what has he got
If not himself then he has not
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way”
Paul fought very hard for the past 8 years and was tired. His family will miss him so much, but knowing the pain is gone and he is with his Father in Heaven will help to bring them peace.
Dad I love you so much. I know that you are watching over all of us. I can’t wait until the day that I get to see you again. You are the greatest man that I ever knew. I just want to say thank you for being such a great dad and always being there for me and Steph. Again we truly love you and thank you for shaping me in to the person I am today. Love you dad and rest in peace. Love, your Debba :-)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I’m so sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for you and your family. It is not an easy time, but may all you wonderful memories carry you through and lighten your hearts. Sending you all our love.
Stephane I want to thank your father for serving our country, and my prayers are with you and your family, sincerely Latanyua Carmichael .
Donna and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Donna,
I am so sorry for your loss. You were so good to him through the end. May you and your family find peace and comfort.
Gretchen
Donna and Family,
Such a hard time for all of you. Just want you to know that you have the love and support of friends. We are available when you need it. Thanks to Paul for serving our country! Let him rest peacefully now.
My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to Donna and the rest of the family. You stood by Paul throughout his battle, and now his soul can rest in peace . All of you and he are in my prayers .
Sincerely,
Tom McGowan
You were like a father to me. Some of your sayings, personality quirks, and isms will be with me for the rest of my life. I can still hear your foot on the bass drum as it kept time to Stars and Stripes Forever. You were there for me whenever I called upon you with a kind word, a joke, and wisdom. You are sorely missed and I shall think of you every time I drink “a boughten coffee” which I will drink in your honor.
-The Bruin
Paul (Sarge) was a wonderful great guy. He knew how to make my husband Chris and I laugh. He was a pleasure to have around. My prayers and blessings go out to you and your family. It was a honor to know him. God bless.
So sorry for your loss..he was such a great man,through this hard time my prayers are with you all..I remember him always being funny and having such a personality no matter if you were having a bad day he could make you laugh..thanks for the laughter Pop! RIP