Darrell O’Dell
Darrell O’Dell, 82, Rochester was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 2:33 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at his home.
On Jan. 30, 1939, Darrell was born in Mishawaka to Donald “Butch” and Erma Mae Fletcher O’Dell. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister Patty and two brothers Gary and Wade. In 1957, Darrell graduated from Argos High School.
He went on to serve in the United States Army and married Rose Ann Snyder, Aug. 1 1959. They were parents to six children. She passed away Jan. 2, 1999.
He retired for the United Parcel Service in 2001 after 20 years. He was the local Santa for many organizations. He married Susan Carol Meadows Zartman July 16, 1999. They shared 22 years together and wintered in Fort Myers, Fla. for 19 years. They enjoyed traveling with friends and family.
Darrell will be remembered for his charisma, kindness and ice blue eyes. Once introduced to a new person, he always regarded them as a friend.
Darrell had the highest esteem for his seven doctors/specialists in Rochester and Indianapolis. Beyond his favorites were Dr. Julius Sitjar MD, Dr. Douglas Pitts MD and Dr. Moazzam W. Habib MD. He and Susan are forever grateful for their wisdom, professionalism and wonderful care.
Left to cherish Darrell’s memory are his wife, Susan; two daughters: Debbie Friar and husband Tom of Plymouth; Stephany Edwards and husband Elvis of Plymouth; four sons: Bill O’Dell and wife Kathy of Grinnell, Iowa; Don O’Dell and wife Kim of Argos; John O’ Dell and wife of Jessica of Warsaw; Jeff O’Dell and wife Bobbie of Plymouth; 13 grandchildren: Kristin, Michael, Matthew, Ryan, Paige, Peyton, Dustin, Amberly, Brandon, Jonathon, Hannah, Staci, Jordan; nine great-grandchildren: Kaidan, Wes, Sawyer, Rylan, Rori, Scarlett, Grayson, Olivia, Lukas; sister, Patty Rowe and husband Gene of Argos; two brothers: Gary O’ Dell and wife Sheila of Mishawaka; Wade O’Dell and wife Liz of Argos; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Darrell in death are his parents and his first wife.
A celebration of the life of Darrell O’Dell will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 31, in The Cross Church, 100 W. 3rd St., Rochester. Friends may visit with the family from 9-11 a.m. in the church. Interment will be in the Richland Center Cemetery. Graveside military honors will be conveyed by the Argos, James Lowell Corey American Legion Post # 68 Veteran’s Honor Guard and the United States Army Honors Team. Memorials may be made to Matthew’s Market, 100 W. 3rd St., Rochester, IN 46975 or Kindred Hospice, 1476 W. 18th St., Rochester, IN 46975.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Good Family Funeral Home of Rochester.