Michael Keavy O'Donnell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Michael Keavy O'Donnell Born September 30, 1945, the fifth child of seven to parents James O'Donnell and Maureen (nee Keavy), a large American Irish heritage devout Catholic family. Michael passed away December 23, 2021, at the age of 76 peacefully, following a valiant battle of Multiple Myeloma as a result of Agent Orange exposure during his tour of duty in the Vietnam War. Precious loving Husband of Sheryl (nee Cauley) for 22 years, the love of her life. Surviving are dearest siblings Maureen (Carl) Peters, Mary Jo (Hank) Maher, Patrick (Janet) O'Donnell and wife of brother Tom (deceased) Judy O'Donnell. Preceded in death by O'Donnell brothers James Doyle (2003), Thomas William (2009) and William Breen (1972). Leaves behind proud adoring nieces/nephews: Kathy, Judy, Jim, Little Mike, Kenny, Danny, Kevin, John, Little Maureen, Matt, Jimmy, Mike, Andy, Kelly, Billy, Joey, Christina, Ken, Anna, Jaclyn, Danielle. Including 29 great nieces/nephews. Beloved nephews Brian Patrick O'Donnell (2000), Robby LeFleur (1984) and Father-In-Law William Cauley (2012) and Brother-In-Law Kenneth Cauley (2003) preceded Mike to the gates of heaven. Left behind to cherish Michael as son and brother are Mother-In-Law Carol Cauley, Brother-In-Law Michael (Perri) Cauley and Linda Cauley (wife of Kenneth deceased). Cherished cousins surviving: O'Donnell are Janie, Terri, Mary Ellen, Patrick, Rosie, Eddie; Keavy are Mary Alice, Patrick, Dick, Bob and each's wonderful spouse. Left to memorize in their hearts are Michael's childhood friends that the passage of time has not separated their friendship are Patrick Reddy, Mike Jones, Jim Eagan, Ron Adamo, Jim Mills, and to greet Mike in the clouds of peace is Phil "Flip" Denton (2018). Michael attended Catholic schools Gesu and Detroit Catholic Central, graduation in 1963, went on to Lawrence Tech which was interrupted by his Draft Notice in the Fall of 1965. Mike was an Altar Boy at Gesu and an Usher for SS John and Paul Catholic Church in Washington Twp. for 10 years. For 11 years Mike was the Basketball Head Coach for Catholic Youth Organization at St. Andrews Church in Rochester. Mike loved sports! Mike was an active Uncle attending the sporting events of all his nephews' games. Notre Dame Football was an annual event on Mike's TO-DO-LIST since boyhood with his dad, brothers and nephews. Attending a game with family would be a season highlight and cause for a two-day rest afterwards. He was an ardent Detroit Tiger Baseball fan and managed season tickets a few times in his younger days. Took his dad to the Tiger 1968 World Championship game in Detroit. Michael's greatest honor, pride and privilege was to serve his country! Dec. 10, 1965 Mike's dad drove his barely 20 yr. old son to the train station to deliver him to the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict. Within 6 months of basic training, June 1966, Mike was boots on the ground in the Vietnam War. He was assigned to the prestigious United States Army's Troop A 1st of the 9th Cavalry Air Mobile Division (Helicopter Air Assaults). PFC O'Donnell was assigned the title and duty of Crew Chief of his ship, Huey tail #081, a Huey assault helicopter flying up to 150 MPH, fully loaded door guns and rocket fire power. The Crew Chief was responsible for the full mechanical maintenance of the ship and the armory. Hence, the in battle-readiness and flying safety of his 4-man crew. Additionally, Mike was the "banking door-gunner" behind the pilot on ship's left side, the side of ship that took on most enemy fire. At times up in air battle, he had to exit outside the ship and stand on the rockets for repair. Mike flew in over 2000 assaults over Vietnam during his 1 yr. tour of duty ending in June 1967. He had since reunited these past 10 years his close brotherhood with Jim Talley his Wing Man (the ship that covers his ship in battle), Huey tail #579 and Mike was Jim's Wing Man. They connected by phone conversations and regular emails. Mike's brother Pat in 2016 drove Mike to the Arlington Natl. Cemetery to meet Jim for the first time in 50 years and there they attended the funeral of an endeared Huey pilot. Mike and Jim were able to share that big hug and gratitude to each other after 50 years leaving Vietnam. Never forgotten in Mike's heart, verbalized or written, are all the brothers he lost overseas. Especially, those who had fallen in April 1967. Their names are eternally engraved on "The Vietnam Wall" and Mike has personally touched each name on the wall with deepest grief and remembrance of them. Mike was honorably discharged from 'active' duty Oct. 19, 1967 ranked Specialist Fifth Class O'Donnell (same pay grade as Sergeant), which he was proud of and how he earned his rank SP5. Dec. 9, 1971 Mike as U.S. Army Reservist meeting all conditions of his country was relieved of all obligations and discharged to U.S. citizen. Mike's medals, decorations and citations include: Air Medal with two Bronze Oakleaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam War Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Overseas Bars, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Good Conduct Medal and two Presidential Citations. He has never spoken to anyone of his medals, this is the first announcement they exist in his possession humbly tucked away out of view in his home. He values his brothers-in-arms more than the medals. Michael and all his brothers of the 1st/9th Cavalry loved the children and villagers of South Vietnam. The troops gave them candy, C-rations and tokens from home to show they cared. Mike often spoke of a little girl with a clef lip who was sweet and wonders still today what became of her. The children too, loved the troops! Mike was "Welcomed Home" in 1967 by the owner of Burton Abstract, a kind man, who a veteran himself saw promise in Mike as a Title Officer, normally a career of an attorney at law. He hired Mike and he thrived in the industry for about 15 years. 1982 Mike decided to follow the footsteps of his dad as a Realtor and was successfully active until his illness a little over 1 yr. ago. Mike opened his own Broker/Owner Century 21 Cornerstone in 1989 and merged with Century 21 AAA North in 2010. Michael has earned the esteem of his colleagues and clients throughout S.E. Michigan for nearly 40 years as an honest, trusted, thoughtful warm selfless professional. Most of his colleagues and clients remain as dear friends today. Michael always said, "There before the Grace of God go I!" and "Let His will be done!" His faith was so strong and made him who he was, good and loving. Michael's loving God is pleased with his faithful servant, and Michael faithfully called upon his God to call him home into his arms his last days of suffering. Rest in quiet happy joyful peace my love, Michael. **For the safety of Michael's family and all guests, please wear a mask as you attend his visitation and services.** Michael's family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a prayer vigil at 6:30 p.m. at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road (3 blocks East of Van Dyke), Utica. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 31, 2021 at Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church, 7777 West 28 Mile Road, Washington, instate beginning at 10:30 a.m. until the time of his mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Guardian Angel Cemetery, Oakland Township with full ritual military honors. It is the family's preference that in lieu of flowers a memorial gift may be sent to one of three charities: Wounded Warrior Project, Vietnam Veterans of America, or Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Please share a memory at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com

Michael Keavy O'Donnell

September 30, 1945 - December 23, 2021