Richard Odell

Richard “Dick” Odell had learned early on in life that material possessions matter little and that family comes first. He was caring and sensitive, and a good listener who uplifted everyone who came to him with words of encouragement. Dick was a proud, hardworking man with a deep commitment to his family. His love for his children and grandchildren was always evident and he found great joy in them.

Though the 1920s roared with jazz and flappers, many people were largely removed from the glitz and glamour associated with these times. This was particularly true for families living in the Midwest, who made their livelihood by cultivating the land. Bernard and Lucille (Clifford) Odell were among these families; they managed their family fruit and dairy farm in Gobles, Michigan. On March 7, 1929, the couple was overjoyed with the birth of their only child, a son they named Richard Lou Odell.

Richard, or Dick as he was called, developed a strong work ethic at an early age, working side by side with his father on their farm. He even delivered milk when he was old enough to drive. His parents also made sure he got his education, and he attended the one-room schoolhouse in Gobles and graduated from Otsego High School in 1947. When he was younger, Dick liked to go roller-skating at the local rink for some fun.

Dick was married as a young adult and had six wonderful children: Terry, Tom, Teresa, Tracy, Tod and Tammy. He loved his children dearly and they brought his life so much joy. This marriage, however, did not last and he was divorced in the late 1970s. But Dick found love again in late 1981, when he went on a double date with his close friends and met Theresaleen “Terry” Heflin for the first time. They both felt a connection to each other right away, and after dating for only 2 weeks, their hearts were like one. Terry adoringly said, “Dick was a tremendous listener and was easy to talk to. Many who knew him felt that.” Eight months later, Dick and Terry were happily married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Paw Paw on July 31, 1982.

Besides being a devoted father and husband, Dick worked for many years as a highly skilled Heavy Equipment Operator for the Van Buren County Road Commission. After retiring, he and Terry enjoyed escaping the Michigan winters for the warm sunshine in Webster, Florida for about 5 years. Here, Dick took great pride in his “very polished” golf cart, complete with the Mack truck bulldog insignia. But that was one of Dick’s areas of expertise – he kept everything from cars to equipment in flawless shape and fully buffed with the brightest wax job he could, including his riding mower. The couple also enjoyed camping at the Golf Lake campgrounds in Marcellus as well as at Leisure Valley campgrounds in Lawrence.

When he was home, Dick liked to spend time outdoors in his inspired vegetable garden or watch the Travel Channel, some sporting events or NASCAR on TV. What made Dick the happiest though was spending precious time with his children and grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. Sadly, he lost his parents when they were both relatively young (in their 50s). Dick was the kindest, most caring man who tried each day to share his happiness with his loved ones. He will be greatly missed and frequently remembered.

Richard Lou Odell died on Friday, May 23, 2008, at his residence with his family at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents. Dick is survived by his wife of 25 years, Theresaleen “Terry” Heflin; 6 children: Terry (Janet) Odell of Gobles, Tom (Beverly) Odell of Wyanet, IL, Teresa (Gene) Dillenbeck of Kalamazoo, Tracy (Mary) Odell of Greenwood, AR, Tod (Linda) Odell of Bloomingdale, Tammy (Max) Thompson of Sheffield, IL, 12 grandchildren: Kimberly (Chuck) Lambert, Curtis (Jessica) Odell, Kip (Mychelle) Odell, Tad (Mindi) Odell, Aubrey (Dereck) McPherson, Preston Thompson, Janice (Andy) Ciborski, Joshua (Julie) Odell, Tim Dillenbeck, Andy Dillenbeck, Frances Odell, Katie Odell; 8 great-grandchildren: Caleb Lambert, Alyssa Lambert, Jake Lambert, Anna Lambert, Curtis Ciborski and Chayse Ciborski, Joshua Odell, Jr. and Cade Odell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 30, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Robert Creagan, celebrant. A luncheon will follow at the church followed by private burial of cremated remains at Mallory Cemetery in Allegan. A second service will be held on Saturday, May 31, at 11:00 a.m. at Bloomingdale Christian Church with his grandson, Pastor Josh Odell, officiating with a luncheon following. Please visit Dick’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo with his family or sign his online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Home - Betzler & Thompson, Paw Paw 657-3870.