John Michael “Mike” O’Donnell

John Michael “Mike” O’Donnell, 68, of Evansville, Indiana passed away at Deaconess Midtown Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Mike was born on September 21, 1958, in Vincennes, Indiana to Thelma Lou “Pat” Wilson O’Donnell and Lawrence Doyle O’Donnell, Jr. He was a graduate of Vincennes Lincoln High School and had just attended his 50th reunion. He attended Indiana State University in Terre Haute and Vincennes University before finishing his business degree at University of Evansville.

Mike began his career by managing the family business in Vincennes, O’Donnell Supply, and was proud to end his career at Koch Air in Evansville, Indiana. He retired to spend six months in Mexico, enjoying the culture, food, and music. Upon returning to the U.S., Mike worked at Ellis Park, where it’s hard to say whether he enjoyed the horses more, or interacting with his customers. Throughout his life, Mike kept in touch with his Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity brothers from college, who always remained his closest friends. Mike was a lifelong St Louis Cardinals baseball fan, and was never happier than when he was attending a game.

Mike is survived by his wife of 29 years, Leigh Ann Chamness O’Donnell of Mt Carmel, Illinois; one brother, Patrick O’Donnell of Bowling Green, KY; two sisters, Carol (Larry) Fletcher of Naples, Florida and Mary (Bill) Mullineaux of Indianapolis, Indiana; and a niece and nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a particularly beloved uncle, Jerry Wilson.

In accordance with Mike’s wishes, he served as an organ donor and was cremated. Ashes will be interred at St John the Bap st Episcopal Church in Mt Carmel, Illinois, where he and Leigh Ann were married.