Patrick O'Toole Obituary

Patrick James O'Toole, 69, passed away on November 13, 2025. Born on Aug. 24th, 1956 in Lawrence, KS to James and Martha Jean O'Toole. His schooling included St. John's Catholic School, Central Junior High School and Lawrence High School. He attended Kansas State University and obtained his BS in Recreation.

Known to many as "Oats," Pat spent his career working in Parks and Recreation. He spent his adult years based in Kansas, Ohio, Indiana and Missouri until returning to Lawrence in 2002. He was proud to have worked in every state throughout his career as a consultant. Pat had a passion for his work and making a difference for small towns in particular. He often said you "never work a day in your life if you love what you do." Pat retired Fall of 2024 and began his adventure of RV living. It gave him such joy to visit old friends and spend time with his children and grandchildren.

Pat was known to be a lively, talkative, witty, and sometimes ornery guy. His sense of humor and laughter brought happiness to those around him. Always happy to lend a helping hand, he sat on the board of various foundations and organizations over the years. He delighted in speaking at conferences or teaching others.

Avid sports fan that he was, he rarely missed an opportunity to take in a game. Although a Wildcat, he was known to equally be a Jayhawk fan. While Dad was a title he wore proudly, GrandpaOats was the favorite of his lifetime. He also adored his several dogs over the years. He loved getting together with friends and reminiscing on old times especially while playing golf. He was always up for going fishing or an adventure. He spent many years restoring an inherited 1951 Ford pickup named John Henry. A trait passed down from his father, Pat loved working with his hands, especially with family and friends.

He is preceded in death by father, James O'Toole. Pat is survived by his mother, Jean O'Toole, of Lawrence; son Brian O'Toole, wife Tori and children Grayson and Tatum of Westfall, KS; daughter Kelly (O'Toole) Reams, husband Thomas and children Drew, Parker and Ryley of Gainesville, GA. Other survivors include his sister Kathleen Jones in Omaha, NE, brother Mike O'Toole, wife Jenny of Leawood, KS along with many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations to National Recreation Parks Association (online donation: https://www.nrpa.org.com/donate/) or support to establish a scholarship fund for Lawrence Parks and Recreation youth in Pat's honor can be sent to 4915 Little Fox Trl Gainesville, GA 30507 and both may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, November 24, at St. John's Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. with a Graveside to follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery. A Rosary will take place the day before on Sunday, November 23, starting at 3:00 p.m. and Visitation to follow until 5:00 p.m. at Warren-McElwain Mortuary; 120 W 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.