William O'Donnell

William “Bill” O'Donnell, 72 died August 20, 2021 in Topeka, KS.  He was born on May 2, 1949 in Clay Center, the son of Max and Arlene (Mabie) O'Donnell.  Bill was raised in Clay Center community.  He was active Boy Scouts where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  Bill was also active in SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church where he served as an altar boy for Sunday Mass through grade school and Jr. High.  Bill was a graduate of the CCCHS Class of 1967 and received first team, all state honors in basketball his Senior year.  He attended the University of Notre Dame and played football for coach Ara Parseghian.  Bill received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Notre Dame in 1971.  In 1975, He received his MBA from UMKC.  He worked as a bond broker in the Chicago area. For over 30 years, Bill refereed sporting events from grade school to the NCAA level until COVID shut down of all sports, ending his career in March 2020.  He enjoyed the interactions with the players, especially when one would visit with him, years later, about a game Bill a had officiated.  Before returning to Clay Center, Bill was a member of St. Huburt’s parish in Hoffman Estates, IL and Holy Family parish in Inverness, IL.  He had recently joined the parish council at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church.  Bill was preceded in death by his father.

Survivors:

Daughter: Colleen O’Donnell of Schaumburg, Il

Son Johnathan Trouten of Washington, D.C.

Mother: Arlene Reed of Clay Center, KS

Sister: Gail and husband Terry Hileman of Clay Center, KS

Brother: Pat and wife Stephanie of Denton, TX

Funeral Mass: 10:00 AM Friday, September 10, 2021, at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Clay Center, KS

Minister: Fr. Kerry Ninemire

Burial: SS Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Clay Center, KS

Visitation: 4-7 PM Thursday, September 9, 2021, at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home, the Rosary will be recited at 7PM

Memorials:  Bill O'Donnell memorial fund c/o the funeral home

Bill's service will live-stream at 10:00 AM at the following link https://www.facebook.com/nsrfuneralhome/live