Edwin O’Dell
The Lord wrapped His loving arms around Edwin O’Dell to take him home on April 2, 2006. Edwin was a faithful servant to his Savior and Lord all his earthly life. He served Him however he could as a young teenager beginning as the BYPU Director (Baptist Young Peoples Union) at the First Baptist Church in Kountze, Texas. He taught Sunday School for many years, also serving as Sunday School Director at his home churches and as Deacon at the First Baptist Church at Silsbee, Texas and at Rayburn Baptist Church at Rayburn Country. He served on the Sabine Neches Valley Scout Council, starting several scout troops throughout the Beaumont area during his tenure with the Boy Scouts.
Edwin O’Dell is survived by his loving wife, Johnnie; his three sons and his daughter-in-laws: Butch and Lyn, Ted and Linda, Steve and Rhonda. Edwin has one sister, Alice Jane Carlson and her husband Sonny and one deceased brother Cotton O’Dell. Edwin has nine grandchildren: Shawn O’Dell (Ashlee), Darren O’Dell (Camille), Jenny Bryan (Kevin), Neal O’Dell, Chad O’Dell (Franchesca), Stacie Davis (David), Chris O’Dell (Traci), David Martinson (Kristi), and Jackie Martinson, and sisters-in-law Florence Casciola, Billie Legg and Allien Belaire. Edwin is also survived by his eighteen great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Edwin served his Country during WWII as a metal smith in the U.S. Navy. Edwin retired in 1981 from Unocal Refinery (Pure Oil Refinery) after 35 years of service.
The pallbearers will consist of Edwin’s eight grandsons, Shawn, Darren, Neal, Chad, Chris, David, Kevin, and David. The deacons of the First Baptist Church will be honorary pallbearers.
Edwin has touched many lives with his love for Jesus and his service to his fellow man. He is greatly loved and will be greatly missed.
Contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church of Silsbee in lieu of flowers.
Visitation will be from 5 to 9 pm, Monday at Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee. Funeral services will be at 10 am, Tuesday at First Baptist Church also in Silsbee with interment to follow at Knupple Cemetery.
