Harold 's Obituary
Harold Junior O’Dell, son of Enoch B. and Geneva Petet O’Dell, was born April 17, 1927, in Hansen, Idaho. He departed this life Monday, September 28, 2009, in his home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-two years, five months, and eleven days. On January 30, 1949, he was united in marriage to Luella “Lu” May Jones, and to this union two daughters and two sons were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lu, on September 11, 2001; a daughter, Brenda Sue O’Dell; and a sister, Fern VanBubar. Harold is survived by a daughter, Kathy Izard, and her husband, Buzz, of Payson, Arizona; two sons, Curtis O’Dell, of Lake Ozark, Missouri, and Ronnie O’Dell, of Eldon, Missouri; three grandchildren, Tami, Lindsey, and Shane; a brother, Bill O’Dell, and his wife, Dee, of Enon, Ohio; his twin sister, Helen Pannebaker, of Lebanon, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was raised in the Grovespring, Missouri area, and then entered the military as a young man. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army from November 19, 1945, until October 14, 1948, during World War II. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he returned to the Lebanon area where he worked at Mid-America Dairy for a few years. He and Lu then moved to Anaheim, California where he worked for the Knudsen Creamery for several years. In 1974, the family returned to Lebanon and made their home. Harold made his profession of faith and was baptized at the Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, near Grovespring, Missouri. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post # 43 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 4107 and had served as Commander of the American Legion. In his spare time he enjoyed working in his yard, repairing televisions, and dancing. He had a delightful sense of humor and loved to play practical jokes on his family and friends. He took pride in his appearance and always tried to look his best. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren. Harold was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and will treasure the memories he made for his family and friends. Services will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday October 4, 2009 at the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon. Burial will be at a later date in Jones Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm until time of service under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. A memorial has been established and donations may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
What’s your fondest memory of Harold?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harold?
Share a story where Harold's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harold you’ll never forget.
How did Harold make you smile?