Averal A. O'Dell

Averal Allen O’Dell, known to most as “Butch”, passed suddenly on Monday, September 24, 2018. He w as born on May 25, 1943 to the late George Galen and Virginia Vivian O’Dell in Baltimore, MD. He had two sisters who preceded him in passing, Barbara Sponaugle (Clyde) and Diane Gibson (Bob). He also has a younger brother George G. O’Dell of Pee Wee. He had so many cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws and he loved them all. He met the love of his life in a holler in West Virginia Pauline “PJ” O’Dell, and married her in the year 1969. They had 38 years together before her passing in 2007. They had three ornery kids, Virginia V. Nichols (Jeff) of Pee Wee, Janet L. Mack (Mark) of Pee Wee and James A. O’Dell (Stacie) of Ravenswood. They were doting Grandparents to Justin Nichols, Nikolle and Kassidy Mack, Xavier and Dominic O’Dell. He loved being Papaw O’Dell and spoiling the kids whenever the chance arose. He was a proud Marine who loved his country. He served in Vietnam with the 3rd Battalion 4th Marines, he spoke very little about it, but was proud to serve with his brothers in arms. He truly enjoyed his time as a member of the Marine Corp Legion Post #1065. Our father was a hardworking man all of his life, he believed very strongly in remembering his roots and made sure us kids had a strong foundation. Dad found his calling as an operating engineer and loved every moment of it. He stayed close to his friends he made as a member of Local 132 Operating Engineers well after his retirement, if you saw him then you’d always see his 132 hat he’d be wearing. He had a passion for woodworking. He loved piddling in his garden, being outdoors, sitting on his porch, but most of all he loved to laugh. He loved to spend time with family and friends. His family was his life, he was and still is our guiding star. He was loved by his neighbor, touched every soul he met and left a lasting impression wherever he roamed. Everyone who has known him has a story to share, a memory to smile upon for he was indeed a good storyteller and an accomplished prankster. Dad would want us not to cry over his passing but to laugh over joyful memories made and the stories that he shared. He is with Mom now, in the arms of his angel. A celebration of his life will be held at 5 p.m. at Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley on Sunday, September 30th. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. The service will be conducted by his friend and neighbor, Danny Schreckengost. Military honors will be performed by Marine Corp Legion Post #1065.