Johnie 'John, Senior' D. O'Dell

JOHNIE "JOHN, SENIOR“ D. O'DELL

Cary, N.C.

Johnie "John, Senior" D. O'Dell, 76, of Cary, N.C., formerly of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on March 19, 2021, at Duke Hospital in Durham N.C.

He was born Feb. 20, 1945, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to James and Josephine Lawson O'Dell. He married the love of his life, Edna Richmond, on June 26, 1968.

He graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1964, from Parsons College in 1968, and went on to get his Master's degree from University of Phoenix.

John played basketball, football, and ran track for Ottumwa High School and won many awards. He held records for the most consecutive extra points kicked at Ottumwa High School for several years. He also held the long-standing state record for a 56-yard field goal from when he played football at Parsons College. He almost lived the NFL dream by being signed to the Atlanta Falcons, but was drafted, so his life plans changed. He went on to play semi-pro football and used his knowledge and skills to coach other aspiring athletes and kids on youth teams in softball, baseball and football. He also loved hunting, especially with his son, Johnie Jr., and fishing with his family, especially the grandkids. Some of the best times were spent on Disney vacations with his family.

John was a schoolteacher and coach, worked at Quaker Oats, Farmstead Foods, John Deere, APAC Telemarketing, University of Phoenix, driving a limo (his favorite) and in the sporting goods department of Walmart in retirement where the customers heard many stories and a lot of bragging on his son's professional hunting and fishing experiences. John was a mentor to many and brought a smile to anyone in his presence.

Survivors include his wife; three children, John Jr. (Suzy) O'Dell of Boerne, Texas; Jennifer Bender O'Dell of Cary, N.C.; and Jamie O'Dell and husband, Matt Swanson of Cary, N.C.; 12 grandchildren, Camilla, Madison, Jacob, Macy, Ella, Zayne, Zoey, Zara, Zach, Zayla, Lucy and Chloe; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Dan) Madden of Tampa, Fla., Connie Foss of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Marge O'Dell of Ottumwa, Iowa; brothers-in-law, Joe (Pat) Perdue of Ottumwa, Iowa, and John Richmond of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; many nieces and nephews; and many beloved extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Leo and Frances Richmond; sister, Betty Barks; brother, Bill O'Dell; brother-in-law, Mike Foss; aunt, Goldie O'Dell; niece, Amber Richmond; and nephew, Michael Richmond.

A gathering to honor the memory of John will be held at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 14, at Lowe Park Arts and Environment Center, 4500 N 10th St., Marion, IA 52302. The family will receive family and friends beginning at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family in John's memory. Friends and family can sign the online guestbook at www.wakefuneral.com.