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Robert L. ”Digger” O’Dell
02/19/1920 — 05/23/2004
From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in Collyer, Kansas
Robert L. ”Digger” O’Dell
Robert L. Digger ODell, 84, of Kennewick, went to be with his savior on Sunday ,May 23, 2004 at Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House in Kennewick.
He was born on Feb. 19, 1920 in Collyer, Kansas,the oldest of 10 children, received his schooling in Colorado. After his schooling family moved to Payette ID. He enlisted in the U.S. Army from Feb.1942 until Aug. 1945, he served with the 70th Tank Battalion. He received the Silver Heart, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Clusters, 4 Bronze Service Stars.
Met his future wife, Edith Mae Lucas , while stationed at Fort Bragg NC. They were married on Oct. 7, 1945 at McLeary, WA.The couple Moved to the Tri-Cities in 1947, where he went to work for Hanford Patrol. Retiring in 1984 as a Security Captain.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, 2 sisters, 4 brothers, and daughter Betsy Gallatin
He is survived by his wife Edith M. ODell of Kennewick, Daughter and Son-In-Law Bobbi and Randy Shipman of West Richland, Son and Daughter In-Law Michael and Julie ODell of Richland, Brothers Billy ODell of Fruitland, ID.and Glen ODell of Oregon, Sister Rosemary Rustemeyer of Elma, WA, 6 Grandchildren , numerous Great Grandchildren.
Private Family Inurnment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions maybe sent to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House,2108 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336.
I barely remember a family reunion at the O’Dell farm in New Plymouth, Idaho, I was only four or five years old 1954-1955. Uncle Robert and Aunt Edith were there, as was Betsy. All the uncles and aunts were so young and alive. There were lots of laughs and lots of cousins to play with. Later at family reunions, I was able to greet them again but am sad that it was only in these later years that I got to know both Uncle Robert and Aunt Edith better. I’ll always remember Uncle Robert’s playful smile, it made me wonder what he was really thinking. Daddy had the same smile and the same twinkle in his eye. I can just see them kidding each other right now. I grieve the lost years, but am grateful that he knew the Lord and know that we’ll all be reunited one day with our glorious savior. May all those that loved Uncle Robert be comforted and blessed in the knowledge that for a thousand generations God promises that a remnant will remain believers from all those that believe. Well done good and faithful servant.
I had the privilege of knowing Mr. O’Dell while working with him on Hanford Patrol in the late “70s”. My father, Luther F. Patty, also worked with him. Mr. O’Dell was kind and gracious man.
I wish to extend my sympathy to all his family.
Ruth Patty Holesworth
I went to work for Edith and RobertBob just a few weeks before he became ill. He loved to watch T.V. on political aspects and he was very concerned over if I had all I needed to make Edith happy with a clean house.
I will miss his smile.
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Robert L. ”Digger” O’Dell