He was born May 5, 1918, in Mason Township, Mich., to Nile and Pearl (Benfer) Odell. He married Beverly M. Holtzinger on Aug. 14, 1938, in Mason Township.

She survives along with three daughters, Sandra (Charles) Weaver of Nixa, Mo., Carol (Errol) Goins of Glenrock, Wyo., and Nancy Odell of Elkhart; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, and one hour prior to Thursday's 2 p.m. funeral service at The Chapel at Hubbard Hill Estates, 28070 C.R. 24 W. The Rev. Orville Banks of Hubbard Hill and the Rev. Kent Norr of Wakarusa Missionary Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Plum Grove Cemetery, Union.

Mr. Odell worked at Excel Industries, Elkhart, for more than 25 years, retiring in 1978. Along with his wife, he founded Valley View Egg Farm, Union. He was a longtime farmer. The Odell farm has been in the same family for more than 100 years and is designated a Centennial Farm in Michigan.

Mr. Odell attended Chapel Hill Missionary Church in Union and formerly attended First Baptist Church, Elkhart. He was a Bristol High School graduate and enjoyed his most special times with his family.

Memorials may be given to Hubbard Hill Estates, 28070 C.R. 24, Elkhart, IN 46517 or Chapel Hill Missionary Church, 14525 Chapel Hill St., Union, MI 49130. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.