Ernest Odell

Ernest Dalby "Ernie" Odell, age 91, and former resident of Ochelata, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, in the Medicalodge of Dewey where he had been a resident. Ernie was born on August 19, 1921 in Ramona, Oklahoma. He was the son of Turner Odell and Annie (Elliott) Odell. He was raised in the Ramona area where he received his formal education. He farmed in the area before entering the U.S. Army in 1942 during WWII. Ernie received Signal Corps Basic Training, Rifleman, Automatic Rifleman and Guard Patrolman training. As a Rifleman, he served with the 958th Air Base Squadron Battalion overseas. He also went on scouting and patrolling missions to locate enemy positions. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the WWII Victory Ribbon, the American Theater Ribbon, the EAME Theater Ribbon and four Bronze Service Stars. In September of 1945, Ernie received his Honorable Discharge from the military and at that time he returned to Oklahoma. Ernie and the former Thelma Ruth Luster were united in marriage in 1946 and they made their home in the Ramona and Vera area. Two daughters were born to this union, Phyllis Ruth and Janet Annie. In 1969, Ernie and Jo (Collins) Cook were united in marriage and they made their home in Ochelata. Jo preceded Ernie in death in July of 2012. In 1954, Ernie became an employee of the local Phillips Petroleum Company where he was involved with building maintenance. He was retired from Phillips in 1978. In 1968, Ernie worked for Arnold and Ruth Moore as manager of JAM Acres in rural Ochelata. Ernie's health forced him to retire in October 2009 and he moved from the Ochelata farm to Bartlesville to be near his daughter, Janet. In 2011, Ernie became a resident of Medicalodge of Dewey. Ernie was a member of the Matoaka Baptist Church and also a member of the American Legion Post #105. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jo; daughter, Barbara Ellen Fogle; son, Chuck Turner Odell; brothers, George, Clarence "Bud", Ed, Joe and Bill; sisters, Hazel Allen, Mary McClain and Annie Roston; and grandson, Samuel Freeman. He is survived by his daughter, Phyllis Ruth and her husband, Danny Freeman, of Okesa, Oklahoma; his daughter, Janet Annie and her husband, Jack Carter, of Bartlesville; eight grandchildren, Daniel Freeman, Joseph Freeman, Stephanie Farley, Christopher Fogle, Joan Ann Holtz, George Fair Ford, III, Travis Hullberg and Dalton Fogle; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and sister, Esther Thompson of Colgate, Oklahoma. If there are those who would like to honor Ernie by a contribution in his name, the family suggests Lighthouse Outreach Center, 1411 W. Hensley Blvd, Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74003, or to the charity of choice.

Service Details

Friday, January 11th, 2013 2:00pm

Interment Details