Michael O’Donnell

Michael O’Donnell, a prospector, a sailor, a carpenter, a mentor, a friend, a cherished brother, a loving father, and a devoted husband, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 8, at the age of 65.

Born in the Bronx, he grew up in Emerson and West Milford, New Jersey alongside his partner in crime, his little brother, Len. During his years at DePaul Catholic High School, he poured his energy into being a three-sport varsity athlete – known for his rebounding skills on the basketball court, clocking a six-minute mile in cross country, and leaping over hurdles and into the high jump pit for the track team. After graduating in 1977, he attended Rochester University, where he was a member of the Psi Upsilon Fraternity.

Michael began his college years swimming with sharks in St. Croix, as he pursued his dreams of becoming a marine biologist. He later changed his major, having found a deeper interest in rocks and the processes that shape the earth over time. He graduated in 1981, earning his Bachelor of Science in Geology and Biology.

Michael then headed southwest to the University of Oklahoma to pursue his master’s in Geology. There he discovered a love even greater than his love of rocks. While working as a TA, he quickly fell for Norma, a fiery Argentine struggling through her paleontology lab. Despite his affection for her, Michael gave her an honest, but low, grade for her imprecise fossil drawing. He then offered to teach her in Spanish, a language he did not speak.

But his charm paid off, and they spent the next 39 years following their love for each other–and those rocks–across mountain ranges and chasing it deep into stalagmite-filled caves. They loved traveling, their children Camille and Lucas, and celebrating their catholic faith. Most recently, Michael and Norma embraced one of their greatest adventures - becoming “Jefe” and “Lita” to little Ivy Noelle. It came so naturally to them. Michael treasured every moment with that baby girl.

Michael loved sailing, diving, swimming, playing basketball, cheering on the Dallas Mavericks and the OU Sooners, even when deep in LSU’s Death Valley. Whether at a café or trying a new restaurant, he never left without making a new friend for life.

He cherished his adopted home of Fort Worth, from Sundays spent in the Stockyards to savoring the rich history the city offered. Though he was a boy from the Bronx, he wore his cowboy boots with ease, as if they had been his all along.

After his daughter’s high school graduation, he lovingly took on the role of Holy Family Catholic Church Altar Server Director, a quiet tribute he often told her was in her honor. His faith was a steady light, guiding his years of service as a devoted Eucharistic Minister, a lector at mass and serving as a ride-share to other parishioners so they could attend worship services. That same devotion inspired his leadership of the stewardship committee.

He was a constant and devoted presence in his children’s lives. With Camille, he shared in the excitement of discovery. He helped her reach the state science fair as they explored the hydrodynamics of the sailboat keel, and together they traced Lewis and Clark’s legendary trail, securing Camille a history fair victory. They also both burned off a few fingerprints during a small geology experiment. He logged countless miles driving her to cross country practices and races all across North Texas, cheering her on every step (and fall) of the way. With Lucas, he was not only his first coach but also his most loyal supporter, beaming with pride at his accomplishments both on the basketball court and in the classroom. It was Michael’s love for rocks that led Lucas to earn his minor in geology. Nothing made him prouder than seeing them follow in his footsteps – Camille as an advocate for the oil and gas industry at Chevron U.S.A., and Lucas building his career at Matador Resources Company.

His love for geology followed him everywhere; no trip was complete without a pickaxe in the trunk and an eager eye on the roadside for the next rock to bring home.

Michael spent 41 years as an oil finder. He was known among his colleagues and friends for his strong work ethic, adaptability, geniality, and collegiality. He was deeply passionate about the oil and gas industry and found great joy in mentoring those building their careers in the field. He could recognize genuine passion in others as surely as he could locate oil deep beneath the earth’s surface.

Over four decades, Michael drilled over 180 wells across 80 prospects during his time as a Senior Geologist at Hillwood Energy, Executive Vice President of Geoscience at Cavaloz, Exploration Manager at Forestar, and as a Geoscientist at Suemaur, Burnett Oil, Enron/EOG Resources, CNG Producing, TANGO Exploration, and Ward Petroleum. He was a SIPES Professional Earth Scientist, had recently completed the OU Energy Executive Management Program and was a Licensed Professional Geologist in Texas and Wyoming. Michael served as Vice Chairman of the Fort Worth Chapter of SIPES and was a three-time President of the Board of Directors for the Geology Library of Fort Worth. As the Vice President of Geosciences for PetroTel, Michael’s final prospecting trip took him across the world to do what he loved. He traveled all the way to the banks of the Tigris-Euphrates and back to his family on the Trinity.

One of Michael’s dearest friends remarked recently that, “it must have been hard being 6 '5 and having 6’ of it be his heart.” His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Marie O’Donnell, and is survived by his wife, Norma Ivy-O’Donnell; children, Camille Ivy-O’Donnell and Lucas Ivy-O’Donnell; brother, Len O’Donnell and his wife, Theresa O’Donnell; niece Kate Cavallo and her husband, Matt Cavallo and their two sons, James (5) and Patrick (1); nephew Tim O’Donnell; and his granddaughter, Ivy Noelle Bentin (3).

Visitation: 5:00-6:00 p.m. with a Rosary following on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Thomson’s Harveson and Cole, 4350 River Oaks Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76114.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 22, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 6150 Pershing Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Grand Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Holy Family Catholic Church for future renovations.