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
If you have questions, contributions, or problems with this site, email:
Coordinator - Rebecca Maloney
State Coordinator: Rebecca Maloney
Asst. State Coordinators: Betty Baker
If you have questions or problems with this site, email the County Coordinator. Please do not ask for specfic research on your family. I am unable to do your personal research. I do not have access to additional records.
