The library at Everett High School bears Larry O'Donnell's name.

O'Donnell, the educator and local historian who spent three decades in Everett Public Schools and another three decades writing the city's story, died Aug. 6 at the age of 88, according to The Daily Herald.

Mayor Cassie Franklin said in a statement that O'Donnell gave so much of his life to Everett, both as an educator and as a storyteller who understood the importance of preserving the community's history.

O'Donnell first attended Jefferson Elementary School and graduated from Everett High with the class of 1955. He earned a bachelor's degree in education from Western Washington University and a master's from the University of Oregon, then returned to Snohomish County for good. His career in Everett Public Schools spanned roles as teacher, counselor, vice principal, principal and consultant before he retired in 1989.

Three years later, he published his first book, "Everett School District: The First 100 Years." He went on to author four local history books, plus booklets and articles covering topics from Everett High School sports to the Snohomish County YMCA's first century.

"He was a believer in public schools, and he also loved Everett," his brother Jack O'Donnell told the Herald.

Beyond the classroom and the page, O'Donnell served as a trustee of the Gertrude Jackson Memorial Fund for more than 30 years, helping provide scholarships to students in Everett and Mukilteo. He was historian for the Rotary Club of Everett for decades and one of the first members of the Big Shots bicycle group, which still meets twice a week to ride. He ran marathons, including the New York City Marathon, and returned to cycling after a health scare that briefly placed him in hospice care.

In 1995, he advocated for demolishing an annex at Everett High that he said obscured the school's Beaux-Arts main building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. He also fought to preserve the maple trees on the 3300 block of Grand Avenue, where he and Jack lived for 30 years.

In 2024, Everett High renamed its library the Lawrence O'Donnell Library. O'Donnell told the Herald in June 2024 that history had been a fun hobby for him because it never ends.

Everett High Principal Kelly Shepherd said in a statement that O'Donnell was a mentor who showed what it means to lead with heart and use your voice to make a difference. Superintendent Ian Saltzman said O'Donnell gave his time, energy and heart in service to others, and called him one of the finest gentlemen he had ever met, the Herald reported.

O'Donnell married Joyce on Nov. 27, 1959. She died in 2021. He is survived by his brother Jack, companion Loretta Hurd, three children and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jack O'Donnell is continuing his brother's project of assembling a collection of books written by or about Everett High alumni and is seeking donations from anyone who has relevant titles.