Dr. Earl Douglas O’Dell, 92, of Laramie died Monday, August 22, 2016 at his home. He was born March 31, 1924 in Toms Creek, VA, to John “Jack” Gurnard and Celia (Sprowell) O’Dell. After his tour in the Army, during WWII, he moved to Laramie to attend the University of Wyoming, where he earned a BS in Electrical Engineering, a B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. in Education. He taught in Lusk and Casper, WY, returning to UW as an Assistant Professor of Vocational Education. In 1951 he married Nita June Moses, and later divorced. To this union four sons and one daughter were born. In 1971 he purchased Janowski Realty (later O’Dell Enterprises). He was instrumental in getting water to West Laramie, assisted in establishing the Graduate Real Estate Institute in Wyoming, was a long term board member for Wyoming Crippled Children and Adults Society, sat on the vestry for many years at St. Matthews’s Cathedral and was a member of the Board of Directors for the Wyoming State Board of Education.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, James Barry, brothers, Howard and Donald, sisters, Mildred Hoff, Edna Pryich and Donna Bretthauer.
He is survived by his sister Dorothy O’Dell Holmes, sons John G. (Timer) Harrison-O’Dell, David C. (Jan) O’Dell, Mark D. (Lesa) O’Dell, daughter Celie J. (T.J.) Russell, eleven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home with The Reverend Dick Naumann, officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery with military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice or to Hospice of Laramie (710 Garfield Street #339 Laramie, Wyoming 82070).
10 Comments To "Earl “Doug” O’Dell"
#1 Comment By Jill On August 24, 2016 @ 9:41 am
“The Ship
What is dying
I am standing on the seashore, a ship sails in the morning breeze and starts for the ocean.
She is an object of beauty and I stand watching her till at last she fades on the horizon and someone at my side says: “She is gone.”
Gone!
Where
Gone from my sight that is all.
She is just as large in the masts, hull and spars as she was when I saw her, and just as able to bear her load of living freight to its destination.
The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me, not in her, and just at the moment when someone at my side says,
“She is gone”
there are others who are watching her coming, and other voices take up a glad shout:
“There she comes!”
and that is dying.” Bishop Brent
I am always torn between the heartbreak of our loss here on earth and the joy for those who get to start the next journey…meet up with loved ones we have lost in the past. Uncle Doug made a huge impact on my life, he will always live on in my heart. Although I can’t be at your send off to a new adventure I will be praying for you during that time so hopefully you will feel my love. I envision you having a cup of tea with your Mom, (maybe she is reading your tea leaves to tell you what to expect on this leg of your journey), and generally enjoying catching up with those we miss so much. Give them our love. <3
#2 Comment By Marge and Elena On August 24, 2016 @ 1:37 pm
David and Jan, We were saddened to hear of your Father’s passing. May happy memories carry you through.
#3 Comment By Nephews and Nieces of Edna and George Pryich On August 24, 2016 @ 3:38 pm
Deepest sympathies to the O’Dell and Pryich Families. From Pryich Family members in Rock Springs.
#4 Comment By Timer Nite Harrison-O’Dell On August 24, 2016 @ 5:31 pm
Blessings and love for all during this difficult time. Wish I could be there in person, but know I am there in my heart. Dad, thank you for all you have blessed me with in the short time we have known each other- the love of your son being the most cherished. May you rest in peace with your loved ones knowing you have bettered the lives of many and strengthened the hearts of even more. You are truly loved.
Timer Nite Harrison-O’Dell
#5 Comment By Barb and Chris Jensen On August 24, 2016 @ 10:57 pm
Condolences to the O’Dell family and specifically Mark and Lesa and family.
#6 Comment By Mary Beth On August 25, 2016 @ 12:21 am
So very sorry for your loss. Mary Beth and David Anderson
#7 Comment By Anonymous On August 25, 2016 @ 11:24 pm
Celie,
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care, God Bless.
Love Lisa Barela
#8 Comment By Lisa Barela On August 25, 2016 @ 11:26 pm
Celie,
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care and God Bless.
Love Lisa Barela
#9 Comment By Ruth On August 26, 2016 @ 2:29 pm
Our sincerest condolences. Always a twinkle in his eye
Steve and Ruth Arthur
#10 Comment By Anonymous On August 31, 2016 @ 1:21 pm
I’m so sorry to hear that your dad died. Lot’s of prayers and hugs for the ones left behind.