John Christian O'Donnell passed away on April 2, 2016 at the age of 99. He was born in San Antonio, Texas to Eua Lacy and John O'Donnell. After graduating from Mason High School, he left Mason to attend Howard Payne College in Brownwood, Texas. He married Emily Ruth Martin of Mason, Texas in 1941. He entered the U. S. Army in 1941 and served for 4 1/2 years, including 18 months as a captain in General Patton's 3rd Army in England, France, Belgium, and Germany. After returning home he began his career in ranching.

John worked as a rancher until he finally retired at the age of 92. He loved the game of golf and playing with his friends as often as he could. His favorite thing was to play in the scrambles that were held weekly and help his team as much as he could up until the age of 93. He was fond of fishing with his family and enjoyed many a day on the river. He also loved playing cards with his family on holidays. An avid fan of the San Antonio Spurs, he never missed a game on TV.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Emily, and a half-brother, Lacy Noble.

He is survived by his son John W. O'Donnell and wife Marie and grandson Christopher; son Jack O'Donnell and wife Beth and grandchildren Kathleen and Michael; daughter Joan McFarland and grandson Ryan McCleary and wife Tracy. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Christian and Erin McCleary.

Special thanks to Dr. Philip Maple and his assistants Barbara Kane and Rose Sanchez, the wonderful and caring nurses and aides at Country Home Health, and HCM Hospice for their excellent medical care of John.

Special thanks also to Donna Wilson, Fae Danz, Wes Lehmberg, Melrita Allen, Marilyn Keese, Ric Chapa, Armando Vaquera, and Martha and the late Norman Neece for their loving and dedicated care of John in his home over many years. Donna's exceptional attention to detail and her kindness to John were instrumental in making his last years as fun, pleasant and comfortable as possible.

A visitation was held on on Thursday, April 7, 2016 from 1pm-3pm at the Mason Funeral Home, followed by private burial on April 7, 2016. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.