Life Notes
Sunrise April 2, 1926 ~ Sunset November 18, 2017
The coolness of spring claims his birth. The depression years witnessed the entry of David Maurice O’Dell to this universe on April 2, 1926 in Orrick, Missouri, to the parentage of the late Clarence O’Dell and Reca Summers O’Dell, who preceded him in death
He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of forty nine years, Betty Todd Langhammer O’Dell; son, Tony Joe O’Dell; stepdaughter, Cindy Langhammer Houston; and stepson, Kevin Langhammer.
As a child, Maurice faced many adversities. With every challenge and every difficulty he conquered them with will-power, confidence and strength. Maurice, also, responded positively and constructively to those challenges with courage, character and perseverance.
He broke his leg at age ten, spent time in the hospital. His father paid his bus fare to visit him by giving the bus driver a chicken. Nine months later, after the harvesting of the sorghum, Maurice and his cousin Doug was playing on the sorghum cane pile and re-broke his leg. Rather than put his parents through hardships of hospitals and doctor bills, he picked up his crutches and began walking with them, resulting in a crooked leg for most of his adult life.
His incorrigible thirst for learning led him to attend Red Brush, a small one room school house in Orrick, Missouri. He graduated from Orrick high school, with wisdom and knowledge that would later lead him to achieve greatness in the business world and becoming an entrepreneur of his many endeavors.
Being a man of spiritual substance, Deacon Maurice served the Lord of his life most extensively at the Christian Church of Buckner, in Buckner, Missouri. He led by example, by ensuring that his family attended and were active in the church and the communities they served.
From the beginning of his working career, as a grocery store clerk, Maurice delivered groceries to local schools for a small town grocery store, a short time later, he acquired a job at a machine shop, Fire Chief for the Buckner volunteer fire department and owner of his grocery store “O’Dell’s Fine Foods” Maurice had the pleasure of retiring early from his industrious working career life. After retirement, Maurice and his wife Betty enjoyed life with family and friends at morning and afternoon gatherings at their favorite nearby McDonald’s. They also enjoyed golfing, bowling and playing cards.
Grandpa Maurice, (as he was called by his beloved grandchildren) loved his grand, great and great- great grandchildren. Grandpa Maurice loved the fun gatherings of his family for picnics, holidays, birthdays, reunions and all of the special gatherings.
Celebrants of his legacy are his children, Diane O’Dell Barker (Bill), David O’Dell Sr. (Ethel), Connie O’Dell Dueker (Eric), and stepdaughter, Beverly Langhammer Kinker (Curtis); two sisters Vivian O’Dell Christensen (Paul, deceased) and Grace O’Dell Palmer (Jack); grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; brother-in-laws; sister-in-laws; nieces, nephews, cousins; and many friends.
Visitation will be from 12 to 1 p.m., Friday, November 24, 2017 with service following at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, Mo. Burial will follow at O’Dell Cemetery, Orrick, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the O’Dell Cemetery, c/o Grace Palmer, 1106 Frontier St., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.
Our Sincere Condolences
Oh grandpa I miss you so very much!
Chantay O’Dell Tovar
Of all of the things that you did that were great, the most wonderful thing is that you passed your Christian faith down to my father, and from there I came to know the Savior, I will see you again. I love you.
Tricia
I’m sorry for your loss. I had the opportunity to see the love he had for Betty before her passing. He was so faithful, sitting and visiting with her everyday. It was a pleasure to witness such devotion.
Misty Lawson
My sympathy to the O’Dell family in this difficult time. O’Dell’s Fine Foods with Mr. O’Dell overseeing the business with a smile is an iconic memory from my childhood. God be with you.
Connie Shrout Roman
