June 25, 1927 ~ June 6, 2010

Leonard F O’Dell (Digger) our beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on June 6, 2010 from pneumonia.  He was born June 25, 1927 in Joplin, MO to Alvin Wesley and Leona Starr O’Dell.  He married his sweetheart, Evelyn Glenda Draper on August 9, 1952, in Fresno, CA.  They moved to Utah where he worked at Geneva Steel for 33 years.  Leonard served honorably in the U.S. Army and the U. S. Navy. 

He is survived by his wife, one son and four daughters, Christie (Dennis) Reimschussel, American Fork; Carole (Dale) Bartholomew, (Springville); Wesley Leonard O’Dell, American Fork;  KayLynn (David) Hale, North Salt Lake and Gina (Brad) Dedrickson, Salem. 26 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Claiborne, CA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, 2 sisters, his daughter, Cathy Mae and a grandson, Luke. 

We will miss him.  He is our rock with a heart of gold. 

A viewing will be held Thursday, June 10, 2010 at Olpin Family Mortuary, 494 S. 300 E. Pleasant Grove, UT from 6 to 8 p.m.  Graveside services will be held Friday, June 11, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the American Fork Cemetery.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com

Condolences (13)

Subscribe to this guest book's feed

Kayla Mae Rhodes said:

We will miss you and love you forever you are a great uncle to me and i will miss you. Love Kayla

June 08, 2010

Daisy Coomes said:

Dear sweet Leonard, We will truly miss you. When you married Glenda you also got a mother-in-law and seven kids. You were the only father figure in our lives and I want to thank you for that. We will miss you and love you forever. Daisy

June 08, 2010

John & Nancy Claiborne said:

Greatly loved Uncle, wonderful father and husband. Rest in peace Uncle Leonard.

June 08, 2010

Angie Rhodes said:

I am sorry to hear about Uncle Leonard. I will miss him, but think of him often. RIP.. Glenda and family are in my thoughts and prayers.

June 08, 2010

Shonda Skinner Morse said:

May you rest in Peace, Dear Digger! I know you and My Mom are smiling down on us all! You will be so missed. Love to Glenda and the entire family.

June 08, 2010

Lydia Evans James said:

Carole Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your sweet family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything - please let us know. Love you, Lyds

June 09, 2010

Kenny and Wanda Coomes said:

Uncle Leonard, you always treat me with kindness even when I didn't deserve it. Wanda and I so enjoyed our visits with you and Aunt Glenda. You will be missed and may you R.I.P. our thoughts and prayers got out to your family.

June 09, 2010

Robert Kresser and family said:

Dear O'dell Family, We are sorry for the loss of your loved one, you will be in our hearts and our prayers. With Love, The Robert and Kathy Kresser Family and The Howard and Jane Trexler family

June 09, 2010

Janet Lemmon said:

We are sad to hear of your loss. He was a great man and our hearts and prayers are with you. Love, Mel and Janet Lemmon and Family

June 10, 2010

Bob Tingey said:

Glenda, Christie, Wes, and Gina, Sincere condolences at Leonard's passing. I always enjoyed visiting all of you and our friendships. I know the Lord will comfort each of you. Much love, Bob Tingey

June 10, 2010

Monta Rae & Eldon Jeppson said:

Dear Glenda I noticed Leonard's obit in the paper and want to write and offer our condolances. So sorry to hear of this. I am going back to the times we used to spend together and as a couple as well as at achool. that is a long time ago and it is too bad how we can lose track of people we care about. Would love to hear from you. Send me an e-mail back and we can try and get together and talk. You take care and know people are thinking of you. Love, Monta Rae

June 11, 2010

Bob and Beth Blake said:

Leonard was one of the "good guys" -- always there when you needed a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. He had that great smile and that mischievous twinkle in his eye, and he was an absolute staple in the Draper family. He was such a "livewire" at the Draper family reunions, and you could always count on him to join in the water balloon fights and getting the last laugh!! We would so enjoy Leonard and Glenda and their sweet family when they spent some of their vacation with us when they came to California, and we would always be welcome in their home during our several trips a year to Utah. We loved Leonard "to pieces" and we will miss his presence so much. Special love to his wonderful, loving family. Bob and Beth Blake, Belmont, Ca.

June 11, 2010

Angel Leach said:

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Leonard. I never had the chance to meet him and deeply regret that. I am the grand daughter of Mary Odell who was the daughter of Charles T Odell who was Leonard's uncle. I wish your family well in this time of loss. God Bless you all.

August 28, 2010