Clarence Odem, Jr.

Clarence Odem Jr. was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. A generous, driven, and dedicated man, he lived his life with great passion. He found his greatest reward in the family he so deeply loved. Although he will be deeply missed, he leaves behind a wonderful collection of memories for his family and special friends to cherish for years to come.

After many years of suffering through the Depression and World War II, the year 1949 brought much-needed prosperity. Televisions and cars were getting bigger and gaining in popularity in a growing consumer society. In the southern town of Gadsden, Alabama, Clarence Sr. and Louise (Dailey) Odem welcomed home their newborn son, Clarence Jr., on January 18th. His parents were hard-working. His father worked at Republic Steel Mill while his mother was a homemaker. There was never a dull moment in the Odem household!

Growing up, he held many fond memories of his childhood, including the nickname, Skeet. He craved his mother’s delicious homemade goods and southern-style cooking throughout his life. She was best known for her pound cakes. Clarence Sr. and Louise raised their children with a strong moral compass for always telling the truth, respecting their elders, and being good human beings with values in the church. He enjoyed swimming with his school friends at Noccalula Falls during his growing years. He also learned how to garden by helping his father with their pecan trees, a peach tree, and a strawberry patch in the backyard. He attended a segregated school and graduated with the Class of 1967 from Carver High School.

Fresh out of high school, Clarence enlisted in the United States Army and served his country in the Republic of Vietnam from September 1968 – August 1971. During this time, he received two bronze stars for heroism and valor due to his efforts in saving many soldiers during battles in Vietnam. These experiences impacted him his whole life resulting in severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He received a purple heart for blast injuries sustained in battle losing his kidney and spleen. The shrapnel left inside his body resulted in high levels of Aluminum, Tungsten, and Copper in his blood likely resulting in his later diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. His exposure to Agent Orange contributed to his recent diagnosis of advanced lymphoma.

Clarence met the love of his life while working at the VA hospital in Battle Creek. She was a charge nurse in the mental health unit and called housekeeping to unclog a toilet with a wad of paper towels. He arrived to support and chastised her for not monitoring her patients more closely. She retorted by asking him to do his job and just clean up the water! They were later formally introduced by their mutual friend, Ron Hoyt. After much eye-rolling, Suzy decided to give him a chance and their relationship began on June 20, 1988. The happy couple were married on that same date in 1992! They built a full life together as wonderful parents to their children and grandchildren.

Once retired from the VA after 37 years of service, Clarence worked part-time at Squirrel Hollow (formerly Cedar Farms) in the pro shop. He also served as the board president of the Federal Community Credit Union (now known as Honor Credit Union) for many years. A man of many special interests, his life never really slowed down. He had a keen love of his special pets over the years including Patton, Lady, Cochise, Zeke, Sheena, Brewster, Xena, Zeus, and most recently, Dutton his loyal Service Dog, who took excellent care of him during his last years. Clarence savored his annual trips to Alabama during spring break every year. During his retirement, Clarence enjoyed playing in several golf leagues, including Cedar Creek, Binder Park, and a traveling VA league which toured the country.

Clarence was always on the go. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching football and basketball, playing dominos and cards, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. He loved dancing and all kinds of music. His green thumb continued in his later years where he was known to grow all types of fruits and vegetables throughout spring, summer, and fall. Handsome and often looking dapper, Clarence had a keen eye for fashion and was always well-dressed for every occasion. An avid gambler, Clarence enjoyed buying scratch-off lottery tickets, playing his daily numbers, and traveling to Las Vegas. Back home, he was the grill master. His family grew accustomed to his southern cooking style and looked forward to his salmon patties, fried pork chops, BBQ ribs, fried fish, and collard greens.

With his many special talents and interests, there was no doubt that his family meant the world to him. He loved to converse and listen to the stories of his growing family. They could count on his opinions as well as his war stories, but their favorite was the laughter he brought to every occasion. He wanted nothing more than a connection with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had a special knack for always looking out for everyone and his honest outlook often lifted the spirits of others when they needed it most. A true friend with a heart of gold, Clarence will indeed be missed. May his memories live on eternally in the hearts of the many close friends and family he leaves behind.

Clarence Odem Jr., age 75, of Battle Creek, MI, died on 12/21/24. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Sr.; mother, Louise (Dailey) Odem; sister, Annie Dean Suttle; brother, Leaman Thomas; son, Timothy Markus Odem; and granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Hunter. Surviving are his wife, Dr. Suzanne Thorne-Odem; children: Dexter Suttle, Sharlisia (Llewellyn) Smith, Anthony Odem, Suzanne Odem, Savannah (Aaron Begley) Odem; grandchildren: Brandon (Candis) Williams, Jelisia Williams, Dillan Hope Suttle, Khalid Odem, Jaden Odem, Nevaeh Odem, Charissa Odem, Nastasia Odem, and Isaiah Odem; siblings: Linda Gail Cox, Rita Blount, Mary (Ronnie) Looney; 11 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, and nephews.

Please join us for a Life Story Visitation on Friday, December 27, from 6-8 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A Life Story Service will be held on Saturday at 11 AM, also at the funeral home, with a reception to follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and memories can be shared. Burial with military honors will take place at the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Celebrate Clarence’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Battle Creek VA Community Living Center Fund or the First Tee of Battle Creek.