Edward Joseph O'Donnell (July 4, 1931 – February 1, 2009) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette in Louisiana from 1994 to 2002.

He previously served as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis in Missouri from 1983 to 1994,[1] O'Donnell built a reputation as a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States during the 1960's.

[3] In 1965, O'Donnell led a contingent from St. Louis to Alabama to participate in the Selma to Montgomery civil rights march.

He moderated a television programs called “Quiz A Catholic” and appeared on radio in discussions with clergy from other faiths.

Edward O'Donnell died from Parkinson's disease on February 1, 2009, at St. Agnes Home in Kirkwood, Missouri, at age 77.