John Odell Obituary

United States Navy Captain Retired, John Edward Odell Jr., age 97 of Boulder City, passed away on January 20, 2013. He was born on June 25, 1915 in Knoxville, Tenn., to John Edward Odell and Fanny A. Hoffmeyer Odell. He was a true sportsman and lettered in football, baseball and basketball at Maryville College, TN. After college he played baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates farm team for one season while awaiting his induction into the Navy. In 1938 he began his career as a Naval aviator and spent over 27 years serving our country. During his service he fought in two wars; WWII and Korea, and received the Bronze Star. Prior to WWII he was stationed in Iceland flying PBY's looking for German submarines. After the War started he flew many missions in North Africa and the Pacific. In 1952 he was Air Officer on the USS Oriskany off of Korea. John loved the outdoors; he was an avid golfer and loved to travel. After retiring from the Navy he settled in Colorado Springs, CO, in 1969, where he enjoyed the Rocky Mountains and attending ORBs luncheons and USAFA football games. He and Elsie enjoyed many hours on Lake Mead on their boat. He was a member of the Tailhook Association and the Daedalians. He is survived by his wife Elsie Odell of Boulder City, NV, who he married June 9, 1984 in Reno, NV; a daughter Barbara (Timothy) Yeomans of Colorado Springs, CO; step daughter Janet (Mark) Ousley of Colorado Springs, CO; and grandchildren Sarah Odell and Robert Odell of England. He is preceded in death by his first wife Sarah Elizabeth "Libby" Odell; son John Edward Odell III; step daughter Jerrye Gilmore. Memorial service will be held on Friday, February 8, 2013 at 12:40 at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com If desired, donations in John's memory may be made to the Nevada State Veterans' Home of Boulder City, NV, or Creekside Hospice, Las Vegas, NV.