Patrick James O’Toole, a longtime parks and recreation professional whose career took him across the country, died November 13, 2025, at age 69.

A native of Lawrence, Kansas, O’Toole earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation from Kansas State University before beginning a career devoted to parks and recreation. Over the years, his work took him to Kansas, Ohio, Indiana and Missouri, and his consulting career ultimately gave him the opportunity to work in all 50 states. He returned to Lawrence in 2002.

O’Toole was especially passionate about the role parks and recreation can play in smaller communities. Throughout his career, he sought opportunities to share his experience with others, including speaking at conferences, teaching fellow professionals and serving on the boards of a number of foundations and organizations. His enthusiasm for the field remained a defining part of his life through his retirement in fall 2024.

Colleagues, friends and family knew O’Toole for his outgoing personality, quick wit and willingness to lend a hand. His decades of service reflected a strong commitment to helping communities and supporting the people who make parks and recreation possible.

O’Toole is survived by his mother, Jean O’Toole; his son, Brian O’Toole, and his wife, Tori, and their children, Grayson and Tatum; his daughter, Kelly Reams, her husband, Thomas, and their children, Drew, Parker and Ryley; his sister, Kathleen Jones; his brother, Mike O’Toole, and his wife, Jenny; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, James O’Toole.

In his memory, the family encouraged contributions supporting parks and recreation, including donations to NRPA and a scholarship fund for Lawrence Parks and Recreation youth to 4915 Little Fox Trl Gainesville, GA 30507 and both may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.