Obituary of Willard Odom

Willard Odom, 85, of the Missouri Veteran's Home in St. James, Missouri, formerly of Doniphan, died peacefully Monday, March 26, 2007, after a two-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. Mr. Odom was born January 17, 1922, in Shiloh (Doniphan), Missouri, and spent his life in the area until his illness in 2005. He was retired from Show-Me Electric. Willard especially loved spending time with his family. He also enjoyed his days playing golf and many who had the opportunity to compete or partner with Willard on the golf course could share some fun times. He was most proud of his "hole in one" trophy. Willard was a member of the St. Benedict's Catholic Church. On July 12, 1940, he was married to Anna Marie Desich at Doniphan. She preceded him in death on February 17, 1988. Mr. Odom was also preceded in death by one son, Dennis; one great-granddaughter, Kalayla; his parents, Robert and Elsie Odom; and one brother, Arthur Odom. Mr. Odom is survived by one son; Robert (Alice) Odom of Mountain View; four daughters; Evelyn (Ted) Massey of Florissant, Sue (Ronald) Thompson of St. Louis, Sandra (Ron) Tyson of Cape Girardeau and Sharon (Steve) Johnson of St. Charles; fourteen grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren; two sisters; Reva Hopkins and Gracie Lassen of Doniphan; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Thursday, March 29, 2007 from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Edwards Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated for the soul of Mr. Odom on Friday, March 30, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Benedict's Catholic Church with burial following at Beaver Dam Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Robert Odom, Jr., Bart Odom, Randy Thompson, Dennis Johnson, Travis Tyson and Marc Johnson, all grandsons of Mr. Odom. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.