John O'Dell, age 88, of Salem, died February 16th, 2018 at Community Health Professionals Hospice Center in Van Wert, Ohio surrounded by family. He was the retired Minister at Trinity United Methodist Church in Salem. John attended Centralia Township High School where he graduated in 1947. During high school, he played the trumpet in the concert and marching band. After high school, John worked for Huggins Grocery Store, Kas Potato Chip, and Hollywood Brands Candy company. He graduated from McKendree College in 1967, Dayton Theological Seminary in 1971, and became an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church in 1973. He served as a minister in the United Methodist Church for over fifty years.
Funeral service for John O'Dell will be held at ten Saturday morning at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Salem, with Terri Haas presiding. Burial in the Paradise Cemetery in Salem. Visitation will be from five to seven at the Rogers-Atkins Funeral Home in Salem. Memorials may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society and can be left at the funeral home.
John L. O'Dell was born on November 16th, 1929 in Centralia to Ezra Lee O'Dell and Mable Kathryn (Phipps) O'Dell. He married Noreta Joan (Daughtery) O'Dell on February 17th, 1951 in Centralia.
Survivors include two daughters: Patricia Miller of Grover Hill, Ohio; Cindy Nash and husband Keith of Palestine; two sons: John O'Dell Junior and wife Penny of Lima, Ohio; Timothy O'Dell and wife Beth of Vincennes, Indiana; grandchildren: Lisa Speith and husband Christopher of VanWert, Ohio; Diana Tomlinson and husband Jon of Van Wert, Ohio; Melssa Fishburn and husband Steve of Indianapolis, Blake Nash of Palestine; Stephanie Wukusick and husband Tommy of Lima, Ohio; grant grandchildren: Taylor Tomlinson, Zachary Tomlinson, Kenadie Speith, Haley Speith, Parker Speith, Mason Speith, Hank Wukusick; and one great -great grandson: Carter Bochard.
John O'Dell was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and son-in-law: Rick Miller.