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Charles Odums Obituary
Family-Placed Obituary
Army Spc. Charles E. Chuck Odums II, 22, died Sunday, May 30, 2004, in Baghdad, Iraq, when his military convoy hit an explosive device . Spc. Odums was born in Sandusky on August 15, 1981, and graduated from Sandusky High School in 1999. He also attended the University of Toledo. Spc. Odums was a United States Army Medic stationed at Fort Hood, TX. His unit was deployed to Iraq in March 2004. Spc. Odums enjoyed sports, fishing, and chess. He was an active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Sandusky. He is survived by his wife, Melanie (Santiago) Odums; parents, Charles and Annie(Johnson) Odums; parents-in-law, Israel and Ramona Santiago; brother, Robert (Phelica) Odums; sisters, Janel (Lyn) Johnson, Sophia (Haman) Williams, Candenisa Stewart and Tashica Carr; brother-in-law, Israel (Marie) Santiago Jr.; paternal grandmother, Martha Odums; maternal grandmother, Louise Johnson; maternal grandmother- in-law, Maria Rivera; eight nephews and four nieces and a host of other family members. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Donell Odums and Norman R. Johnson. Friends may call on Tuesday from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1215 Pierce St., Sandusky. Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky. Memorial Contributions may be made to Spc. Charles Odums Memorial Fund. Arrangements by Toft Funeral Home, 2001 Columbus Ave, Sandusky.419-625-8816
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Odums
George O'Dell
July 27, 2015
Melanie,
Not a day goes by that I don't think of Charles. He was a great man, my Soldier & my Friend. I Pray you have found peace.
George
May 12, 2014
To the family of Charles E. Odums II, it is hard to believe that we are approaching the 10th anniversary of Charles transition. Charles is never far from my thoughts because everywhere I go in Sandusky there are memories of him. Know that your son's sacrifice does not go unnoticed and is very much apprecicated. I tell the youth about Charles life: his quiet demeanor, his winning smile, his love of God and family and what an upstanding young man he was. My prayers are continually with your family. Brenda Register-Jones
Greg Warner
March 15, 2014
Gone Never Forgotten! ! RIH SOLDIER!!! OOOOOOH RAAAAAAH!!!!
March 14, 2014
Love you always nephew. God bless.
May 31, 2013
May 30, 2013
The 9th anniversary of Charles Odums passing, I remain grateful for his service for this country and the sacrifice he was willing to make.
Peggy Childers
May 30, 2013
To the family and friends of Spc. Charles E. Odums:
Always remembering Charles. "Some gave all."
July 4, 2012
Love You Son
Tashica Carr
June 14, 2012
Love you little brother, you will never be forgotten
June 2, 2012
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Erika Haney
April 21, 2012
You will always be in our hearts and prayers. I remember running track with you Charles you were so quiet.
Peggy Childers
May 30, 2011
To the family and friends of Spc. Charles E. Odums:
Please accept my remembrance of Charles on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Family of SSG Joel Smith
May 30, 2010
Odums family its another year of painful loss of SPC Odums we will never forget that fateful day when we received word of two soldiers killed and didn't think it could be soldiers we knew. we are so sorry for your loss. at 3p.m. on Memorial Day the nation will stop and be silent in Charles and other warriors and patriots to remember them.
Peggy Childers
May 30, 2010
To the family and friends of Spc. Charles E. Odums:
Remembering Charles on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Lee Mazza
February 25, 2010
As the parent of a Marine currently serving I can't begin to imagine the pain your family has suffered. May God Bless and hold your son in his arms always.
Lee Mazza, Phoenix Az
Tobias
January 24, 2010
I was in 1/8 CAV and I was Odums roommate for a short time in the barracks by 27th st. Its been a long time. I came to work in Iraq in 2004 after I got out of the Army, and been out here ever since then. I ran into 1/8 CAV Commander in Kuwait as the unit came back from FOB Falcon, and he told me about Odums. We both sat on the smoking area bench with tears in our eyes. I salute you Charles!
Leslie Hughett
July 4, 2009
I have alot of grief in my heart for Odums family. I was a scout for the platoon that he was driving for. That was my hummvie that he was driving. It should have been me driving that day. I had gotten out already and he was driving in my place. My love and symapthy goes out to you Odie.
C Hampton
June 6, 2009
To the Odums family: I can't believe its been 5 years since you got the call and all of our lives were changed on that day. I know your grief is still devastating and how much you miss him. We as a nation owe you so much for your sacrifice of your son, brother, and husband to keep America safe. Odums stands tall in Heaven watching over his battle buddies. Until then...
Peggy Childers
May 31, 2009
To the family of Spc. Charles E. Odums:
Charles gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Tashica Carr
August 22, 2008
Hey Chuck,
Just wanted to drop a line because I have been thinking about you a lot lately. You just had a birthday last week and it was so funny because last thursday was my last day of school so I was out celebrating. Tamoni sent me a text at exactly midnight saying "Happy Birthday" Chuck... I knew for sure she forgot because you know how teenagers are but why in the world was she up at midnight lol lol... Then friday morning Rob sent all of us text messages saying what a beautiful day it was and how much he loved us. You are truely missed Chuck!!! Sometimes I wonder how our adult lives would have been and if our kids would have been close. So many what if's and I wonders but I know that dispite it all you are still here with us. I LOVE YOU LIL BROTHER!!!
In Memory of Charles ~ (Debra Estep)
May 30, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Charles, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
Visit this link to hear the song.
The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
ERICA MARTINEZ
January 29, 2008
CHUCK I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR BEING SO BRAVE NOT ONLY FOR ME BUT FOR EVERYONE! I REMEMBER THE CALL I RECIEVED AS IF I JUST GOT THE MESSAGE YOU ARE A WONDERFUL PERSON AND I'M GRATEFUL TO HAVE HAD GOT THE TIME TO KNOW YOU. JUST KNOW YOUR ALWAYS REMEMBERED FOR BEING SO BRAVE WE MISS YOU! THERE IS SO MUCH I WISH I COULD SAY TO YOU BUT I BELEIVE YOU WALK WITH ME!
August 9, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
Tashica Carr
July 24, 2007
Hey Chuck,
It still brings tears to my eyes when I think of you. I have so many memories of you being by "bad little brother". I miss you so much. I wish we had more time to spend together but I cherish every moment that we had, good or bad. The kids are ok and we are all doing fine. It's different without you but I know you are watching over the family. I will always love you and you will never be forgotten.
Dean Garcia
June 10, 2007
I want to extend my sympathies to the Odums family and his wife Melanie. I knew charles from the 1-8 Cav, HHC back in 2001-2003. We were medics in the same platoon. I used to hang out with him in the field quite a bit. I even went to his apartment once to do some studying. I did not hear about his death until later in 2004 while I was in Korea. He was an awesome guy who always made me laugh. I'll never forget him. I wear a KIA bracelet everyday in his honor. Also, his picture is on the Wall or Hero's at Arlington National Cemetary. I have pictures of it if anyone is interested. Please e-mail me, I would be glad to send them to you. I miss you Odee.
Garnet Jenkins
May 29, 2007
In Remembrance of Spc. Charles E. Odums, who gave his life for our Country, with so much gratitude to this Brave Young Soldier and his family, for his Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
These Young Heroes who Made this Ultimate Sacrifice, shall Never Be Forgotten, my young brother among them, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid, they have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices". - PRESIDENT HARRY S. TRUMAN
I am sincerely hoping that you continue to feel the thoughts of Caring and Support that surround you each day, as this Country Remembers Someone Very Precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.
Gary
May 21, 2007
Never to be forgotten.A true American hero.God bless Charles and his family.
December 29, 2006
To the family of:Charles E. Odums I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga
Alrie (Christian) Matthews
December 7, 2006
To the Odums family,
I am so sorry for your loss, and am thankful for his service to his country and others. May God continue to comfort you all at all times. He was the type of man that we need today in this world.
Brandon Jones
June 12, 2006
I would like to say to the Odums Family that Spc Charles Odums great soilder. Me and Odum was apart of the same Div. We became friends on the battle field and it hurt me and everybody on camp falcon when we found out of his passing. I remember Spc Odum because he use to come threw our barracks everyday and two of his friends and thats how we became close. He was apart of 1-8 cav and he was apart of one of the elite units in the Cav Division. I was apart of the 515th and we supported his Battalion. And Iam proud to say I served with him In Iraq
family of Spc Joel Smith formerly of 1-8 CAV
May 29, 2006
to melanie and all the odums family; its almost been 2 years; i don't know how you have done it or not done it without him. to remember the last phone call, the last hug, the last i love you its almost unbearable from our standpoint but you have lived it. thank you for his sacrifice, his love of country, his love of army, and most of all for the bravery and patriotism of his life. may our Lord bless you and comfort you till you meet Charles again as he guards heavens gates.
Pat Canfall
April 10, 2006
My condolences to the Odums family.
Charles may you rest in peace. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. You have earned your golden halo and wings. May you continue to soar in the heavenly clouds up above.
Richard
April 8, 2006
I met Charles at the University of Toledo in 1999. We were both freshman majoring in Pre-med at the time. I'm extremely sad to see that he is gone because he was a good friend to me. I was an international student from Canada and I didn't know much about the American lifestyle so Charles took me under his wing and made sure I was comfortable. I spoke with him a about a month or so before he was deployed to Iraq and I am still upset to this day I didn't get a chance to say good bye. I still don't think he's gone sometimes, in fact I still have his cell phone number in my phone thinking he's going to call me any day now. I pray for both Melanie and the Odums family that God may comfort you in Charles' absence. You were one of my good friends Charles and I miss you. R.I.P my brother
George O'Dell
March 30, 2006
I was Charles' first Squad Leader in 1/8 CAV, he was my Driver. I tried the best I could to set a good example and teach him all that I knew. Melanie spent time with my wife Maria while we would be in the field training. I left the Platoon in December 2002 on PCS orders. When I heard of Charles' tragic death I cried because I lost a brother, he was a hard working, intelligent Soldier with a promising future. I cried for his family and for Melanie, for their loss. I cry today because the Army is without one of our best Medics. Charles, we are all proud of you, YOU ARE A HERO! To Melanie & the Odums Family...you are in my thoughts & Prayers, GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SACRAFICE.
Phelica Odums
March 8, 2006
Wow, it's seems like yesterday that we found out that you were gone. I still remember the exact time, and exact place. Charles we miss you so much. Robert is doing good, but he misses the talks, the rides on the bike, and just you in general. We are so proud of you, and thank you for giving your life for freedom. Taevin misses you too, and he talks about you all the time. Our lives will forever have a void in them. We love you, and wish that you were here. Love, your sister in law Phelica
Ottist Flournoy
January 24, 2006
Spc Charles E. Odums, ll
23 January 2006
I cry every time i think of you and thank God for the joy you brought into my life. You were a perfect older brother to Lauren and very protective also. As a little guy, you played with Lauren and Ginger in my living room and i hoped you would never grow up. You came to Canada with the Boy Scouts and camped out for the weekends. At night you pitched tents, had a big campfire, roasted hot dogs, and had fun. You were growing. I remember how excited you were when you joined the soccer team. When we went to aunt Della's funeral in Silas Alabama, you sat by my side and Lauren on the other. As i cried during the funeral, you put your arm around me for comfort as Lauren patted me on my knee. Your arm was of a strong sensitive young man growing up in life. I was proud when you went into the Army. When you got married, i wanted to call you and never did. I was not paying much attention to TV on Sunday when they announced 2 soldiers killed in Iraq that day, but it stuck in my mind for some reason. The next day, Labor Day, your aunt Marva called and cried. I cried. My heart cried. My soul cried. No Lord, not my nephew. Not Chucky. The news spread thru Sandusky, around the country and then around the world. When they showed your face on CNN, i asked, do they know who you are? Did they know you were Charles and Ann's oldest son, Janel's brother and Lauren's older brother? Did they know you have a little nephew name Josh? Did they know you had just got married? Did they know how you admired your cousins, Tia, Ottist, Tony, and Brad. You were the kid next door, a Boy Scout, the newspaper boy, the nice little boy down the street, Louise Johnson's grandson. You grew up to be somebody. Yes Lord. You had plans. The whole world would know you had been here. Yes Lord. Your face has been on TV and in newspapers all over the world. You are in the hearts of all Americans. Yes Lord. Everyone in Sandusky knows you. You live Chucky. You are alive in my heart and i jump up and down with joy. Yes Lord. And i shout to the world with the happiness you have put in my heart. Yes Lord. I shout. Chucky don't need no 15 minutes. Chucky's joy will live forever in my heart. Yes Lord. Yes Lord. I love you Chucky.
Uncle Sonny
Bianca Herndon
January 11, 2006
To the Odum family: May God be with you and you find great comfort in prayer as time moves. I am from Sandusky, now retired from the Army, I am sorry for loss, please know your son is a true American Hero and will not be forgotten.
Ebony Alexander
January 8, 2006
To Mr. and Mrs. Odums my heart goes out to you. I just found out about Charles through one of my other buddies. I went to AIT with Odums in Ft. Sam Houston Texas for 6 months. He was such a quiet, respectable, and great friend. I know that his spirit is with his family and friends. May God give you peace through the troubled times.
Sincerely,
Charles Odums Sr.
December 26, 2005
I am the father of Spc. Cherles E. Odums ll. I want to thank all or you for all the prayers,words of encouragement,and thoughts that you have shared with the Odums family. I ask that we do not forget all the men and women that are serving in the military and to always pray for them.
God bless you all
God bless America
Olivia Close
December 12, 2005
Sincere sympathy to The Odums Family. Mrs. Odums thank you for your personal thoughts and feelings that you shared on Nightline, they were deeply felt and moving. You are a sweet and loving Mom. While watching you speak my heart ached for you and all the other Mom's that have lost their "Beloved" son's and daughter's. May our Lord bless and hold you close during this difficult time. God bless you and your son "Chuck." Sincerely with prayers and caring thoughts.
margie kaplan
December 10, 2005
Dear Odums Family,
My heart goes out to you
in the loss of your son. I saw you on NIghtline tonight, Mrs Odoms. I admire your courage. God bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Margie Kaplan
Janel Odums Johnson
August 11, 2005
I would like to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers expressed on behalf of my family. My brother Charles was a great man and a hero! I struggle with the absence of his physical presence daily, but he will always be with me. I ask that you all continue to pray for us as we try to make sense of such a huge loss and as the nation continues to mourn the deaths of our brave heroes everyday. God bless you all, Charles will not be forgotten! Love your sister, Janel
Yolanda Valdez
July 25, 2005
Dear Odums family,
My prayers go out to you all. God Bless. yvaldez
Very Proud Marine Mom
(LCpl Nichoas S. Perez - KIA 9-3-04 - Iraq)
Jon Frierson
June 24, 2005
hey everybody thank you for the entries, I am Spc. Charles E. Odums first cousin, our family has been through alot this past year, it has been people like you that have showed us love and support I want to thank you all. R.I.P "Chucky" alwyas your lil cusion "JJ"
Bill Hoffman
June 17, 2005
My heart goes out to you.
I had a boyhood friend, for a short time in San Diego during the 50's, named Edward Odums. I don't know if you are related. Our fathers were in the together in the Navy. His father was a minister.
cindy hampton
June 16, 2005
it has now been over a year since spc odums was killed. on the one year anniversary of his death may 30; tnt showed operation homecoming of his unit when they returned to fort hood on march 16, 2005 and melanie was there hugging the soldiers who served with her husband. my son served in the 1/8th and remembers the day that spc odums was killed. we still pray for your loss. thank you for your ultimate sacrifice for our country and thanksyou for charles patriotism and loyalty.
Jimmy McSalters
May 23, 2005
I didn't personally know charles, however I served 12 Years in the U.S. Army. He was a Army brother to me, and will never be forgotten. I attended his funeral and a part of me will always feel the loss that only one that has served in combat can ever feel. Rest in Peace.
Regina Oakes
April 30, 2005
To Mr and Mrs Odums,
Charles was and will be sadly missed by all that knew and loved him. He touched everyone that he met. He will be greatly missed in the community.
marshal chukwu
April 11, 2005
i am happy to see this page.
Mel Rodriguez
June 9, 2004
We are good friends of Dennis and Damaris Santiago, they are like family to us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to both families and may God bless you all. The Rodriguez Family
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