PHILLIPS COUNTY
Colorado
The love of my life, Craig Odell, has passed away on February 15, 2016. When he passed, he was doing something that he enjoyed, helping his wife. He was helping his wife doing taxes for H&R Block in the Sidney, NE, and Sterling, CO, offices.
Before settling to help his wife, Craig taught many years and drove a truck. He obtained his education from Western Nebraska Community College in Sidney, NE, with a degree in Welding. He also attended Chadron State College, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Technology with Specialization in Computer Science. After he obtained his degree, they decided to move the family back to Gurley, NE, to finish raising their three girls. Craig went back to driving a truck for many years until 2012 when he retired from driving. It took him a couple years and jobs to join his wife with taxes.
Craig was born to Helen (Peterson) Brown and Clarence Odell on May 24, 1957 in Denver, CO. He moved to Haigler, NE, in his younger years and graduated high school from Benkelman High School with the class of 1975. On June 20, 1981, Craig joined his lifelong partner in marriage with Dee Ann Borland-Odell. She will miss her Sweetheart of 35 years and loves him dearly.
My Sweetheart was a jack-of-all trades, but a master to none; everyone always told him he was selling himself short. He always had numerous hobbies he enjoyed doing and was very successful at, including woodworking, helping raising his children and grandchildren (with many cows along the way), and remodeling homes with me.
There was never a night with his children that he wouldn’t pass up a good game of cards. He especially loved his version of Pinochle, in which he modified the rules of the traditional game to play with his five family members. He loved teaching people things and would talk to anyone who would talk back and listen. Craig made a lasting impression on everyone who came into contact with him and will be dearly missed and remembered by everyone.
Craig is preceded in death by his father Clarence Odell, his parents Bob & Helen Brown, and father-in-law Perry Borland. Craig leaves behind his life partner and wife Dee Ann Odell of Lodgepole, NE; daughter Krystle Ann Odell of North Platte, NE; daughter Jodie Ja Odell and future son-in-law Steve Spade of Pittsburgh, PA; daughter Angie Rae (Odell) Speir and son-in-law Mackenzie Speir of Ash Flat, AR; and three wonderful grandchildren: Lily and Riley Speir of Ash Flat and Keith Brummet of North Platte; sister Karen (Traxler) Liptrap and brother-in-law Bob Liptrap of Pueblo, CO; brother Steven Traxler and sister-in-law Brenda Traxler of Aurora, CO; sister-in-law Shawn (Borland) Rojo and brother-in-law Joel Rojo of Holyoke, CO; sister-in-law Cindy (Borland) Maddock and brother-in-law Duane Maddock of Thermopolis, WY; along with countless aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends.
His funeral service will be held at the Church of Christ in Holyoke, CO, on Monday, February 22, 2016, at 10:00 A.M. and interment will follow at the Holyoke Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Craig Odell Memorial Fund in care of Dee Ann Odell, PO Box 103, Lodgepole, NE 69149
Tennant Funeral Home & Crematory of Holyoke is in charge of arrangements.
Craig Odell
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Last updated December 2018
