Obituary of Robert H. O'Dell

Robert Howard O'Dell, surrounded by his loving family passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Bob was born on November 18, 1942 in Walton, the Son of Ralph O’Dell and Edna Wright O’Dell. He was predeceased by his parents. He graduated from Walton High School and attended the New York State Agricultural and Technical Institute at Delhi, now known as SUNY Delhi. Bob was employed for many years at S. J. Bailey and Sons in Walton making knotty pine furniture. After several other jobs he worked at and retired from Amphenol Corporation on December 31, 2015. For 21 plus years Bob was a member of the Army National Guard and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant E6. Bob is survived by the love of his life, Sharon A. O’Dell, whom he married on June 29, 1969 at the First United Methodist Church in Walton. Robert’s pride and joy were his children, Shari VanDeusen (Jim) of Otego, NY and Daryl O’Dell (Valerie) Bloomingburg, NY and his Grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Tyler, Chelsi, Alex and Christopher (C.J) and Great Granddaughter, Riley Katherine. He is also survived by one Sister, Harriett Benjamin and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bob was a collector of stamps and coins. He also was an avid follower of the stock market and he loved his cars especially Cadillacs. He was a sports fan. He thoroughly enjoyed being a side-line Dad to the extent that Sharon had to move down the line away from him because he was too exuberant. He always attended his sons cross-country and track meets. More recently he watched his grandchildren play, football, soccer, LaCrosse, and track. Bob and Sharon loved to travel to Hawaii, Ireland, and our most favorite was the happiest place on earth, Disney World. The kid in him absolutely loved these many trips to visit Mickey Mouse. He loved sweets. You would see him frequently munching on muffins, Werther’s original hard candies, and peanut M&M’s. The family would like to thank everyone for all the prayers and well wishes for Bob, in particular, the doctors, nurses, and round-the-clock sitters at Wilson Hospital and Helios Care and Pastor Christine. Calling hours for Bob will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 6PM-8PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton. A service of fellowship and remembrance will be held on Friday, June 3, 2022 at 11AM the First United Methodist Church, 101 North Street, Walton. Contributions in memory of Robert H. O’Dell may be made to the First United Methodist Church, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern NY Chapter, The Meadows, Suite 2, 140 County Highway 33 West, Cooperstown, NY 13326.