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Dr. Edward Earl O'Donnell, 64, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2002, at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Dr. O'Donnell was the Vice President of the Defense Technology Group for the Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). Edward was born in Hobbs, New Mexico on September 16, 1937 to Thomas Edward and Bessie Louise O'Donnell. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn; his sons, Damon, Devon, and Doran; his daughter, Dari Bradley; his grandsons, William and Christopher; his granddaughters, Chelsea and Courtnea Bradley, Staci, and Tiffany; and his great-granddaughter, Natalie. Other survivors include his brother Jerry, and his sisters Jo Arnold, Shelia McDaniel. Edward is listed in Marquis Who's Who in World, Marquis Who's Who in America, Marquis Who's Who in Science and Engineering, and Who's Who in the West, and the Lexington Who's Who Registry of Executives and Professionals, for his many accomplishments as a research physicist. In 1999, Edward was formally recognized by the Navy for his work on the Fleet Ballistic Missile Program and for his service to the country since 1965. He had also earned many other awards from the Navy. Edward was considered a leader in electromagnetic pulse technology and primarily worked on the Polaris, Poseidon, and Trident Missile design. According to Rear Admiral G.P. Nanos, Jr., Edward's participation helped the United States in the developing and viability of these weapon's systems which have effectively been the world's primary deterrent to nuclear war. Edward received numerous awards from SAIC including an award for his participation in the Leadership Mentoring Program as a member of the first wave of mentors for the organization in 1996. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his support to the Navy Fleet Ballistic Program in 1996, the first award of that type given by the organization and in 1999, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the company's Security, Technology, Research, and Engineering sector. Edward married Kathryn in 1956 and attended college at Texas Tech University. In 1958, he transferred to New Mexico State University and continued his studies there until graduating with his Ph.D. in physics in 1965. He then moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, taking on a position for Kaman Sciences Corporation. In 1970, he took a position for Science Applications International Corporation and continued to live in Colorado Springs, traveling nearly weekly to Washington D.C. for business. In 1986, Dr. O'Donnell moved temporarily to Destin, Florida to work with the Department of the Air Force on Space Defense Initiative (SDI). He then moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico although maintaining a residence in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. In 1999, Edward and Kathryn moved back to Freeport, Florida where he lived until his death Sunday. Edward loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was a devoted husband and father. He loved to fish and read. Many will remember Edward for his exceptional wit and sense of humor. His sense of humor was evident in his work and family life and was instrumental in helping him face his disease. Edward was diagnosed with advanced cancer in 1996. He remained upbeat and designed many of his own radiation cancer treatments, becoming an inspiration to many of his friends and others. Edward was advocate for early detection after his diagnoses which inspired many others to get annual physicals and discover cancer in the early stages where treatment is more effective. His confidence encouraged others with cancer to seek out his advice on treatment procedures and in dealing with the emotional aspects of the disease. He always encouraged others with cancer to have faith in Jesus and to fight the disease with a positive outlook to the future. The family expresses thanks to many of the doctors who treated Edward and helped him both spiritually and physically through his disease. Special thanks to Dr. Walther at Duke University, Dr. Michael Datolli, of Sarasota, Florida, Dr. Graeme Bolger and Dr. Fiveash, at the University of Alabama Brimingham, and all of the staff there. The family would also like to express the deepest thank you to the Emerald Coast Cancer Center's Dr. Harvey Hsiang, Dr. Ming-Chen Chang, and Dr. Y. Henry Hsaing. The family would also like to convey a special thank you to Dr. Harvey Hsiang for his kindness and loving care during this chapter of Edward's life. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, July 26, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at the McLaughlin Twin City Funeral Home in Niceville, Florida with Reverend Samuel Mosely officiating. Visitation will be on Friday night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The family requests that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.
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