Earl B. O'Dell
October 11, 1933 — April 4, 2024
Carmel
Earl graduated from Spurgeon High School in 1954 and was the class president. He played basketball, baseball and softball. Earl was a cheerleader and active in the pep club. He starred in the Junior and Senior plays and was voted best actor for his performances.
Earl led a remarkable life after high school, filled with adventures and service. His early years were marked by his honorable military service as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division of the United States Army during the Korean War era. Notably, he was also a member of Hell's Angels during his time in the Military—a testament to his courage and camaraderie.
After his military endeavors, Earl found his calling as a dedicated employee at Robert's Dairy in 1958. He continued his service as Earl O’Dell Dairy Products until 1998 when he retired as the last home delivery milkman in Indiana. His commitment to providing this essential service and kindness to every customer left an indelible mark on those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In his leisure time, Earl was an avid hunter, fisherman, gardener and provided for his family and many others through sharing the fruits of his bounty. He especially enjoyed the thrill of hunting with his trusty crossbow—a passion that brought him great joy throughout his life.
He regaled friends and family with tales of his "big catches", dad jokes and math tricks.
Earl was a devoted Christian and an active member of Northview Christian Church for many years. You would always find him volunteering, ushering and participating in the men’s prayer breakfasts and life groups. He believed to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).
Earl is survived by his loving wife, Nancy J. O’Dell; daughters, Deanna Cruz (Lucio), Katherine Barber, Theresa Wright, Robin Kavanaugh (Brian), and Wendy Michelle Van Sickle; stepchildren, Lynn Schultz (Derek) and Mike Neffle (Val); 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter; and his brother, George O’Dell.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 8 siblings; 2 grandchildren; and the mother of his 5 daughters.
Visitation for Earl will be from 1:30-2:30pm on Thursday, April 11th, 2024, at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Good Shepherd Chapel) – 9700 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46250, with a funeral service immediately following at 2:30pm. A graveside service with military honors will take place at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens immediately following the conclusion of the service.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to St. Jude Hospital.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Thursday, April 11, 2024
1:30 - 2:30 pm (Eastern time)
Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Good Shepherd Chapel)
Once inside the gates, follow the yellow line in the road and it will take you to our Good Shepherd Chapel.
Funeral Service
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Starts at 2:30 pm (Eastern time)
Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Good Shepherd Chapel)
Once inside the gates, follow the yellow line in the road and it will take you to our Good Shepherd Chapel.
Graveside Service
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Oaklawn Memorial Gardens
Guestbook
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