Gary Oden, beloved family man, dedicated educator and community leader, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in his home in Camden, Arkansas, on January 18, 2025. Born in Amity, Arkansas, on November 16, 1944, to Garvin L. (Jack) and Retha Oden, Gary was raised in Crossett and graduated from Crossett High in 1963. He went on to become the first in his family to graduate from college, earning his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education degree from Arkansas A & M College in Monticello. Later, he earned a Master of Education in Counseling from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia.
In 1968, Gary and his wife, Glenda, moved to Camden, where he began his long and impactful career teaching Architecture at Southwest Technical Institute, now known as SAU Tech. Over his 44-year career, he rose to the position of Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, leaving a lasting legacy on the institution and its students.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Garvin and Retha; his sisters, Millie Connor (James) and Jackie Mills (Herman); his son-in-law, Kenneth Gilbert; and three grandchildren, Jackson, Kenlee, and Georgia. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Glenda Minor Oden; his children, Greg Oden (Lisa) of El Dorado, Angie Gilbert of Little Rock, and Lance Oden (Khristy) of Greenbrier; his sisters, Sue Smith of Crossett and Ann Holderfield (Bud) of Woodlawn; and his cherished grandchildren, Garrett, Luke, Jake, Ella, Sophie, and Millie Oden, and beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 6:00 - 8:00PM at Proctor Funeral Home.
A celebration of life will be held at Cullendale First Baptist Church in Camden, where Gary was a dedicated member for over 50 years. The service will be held Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary followed by a graveside service at Memorial Park Cemetery in Camden.
The Oden family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the hospice team led by Dr. Larry Braden: Traci Peterson, Marilyn Harris, Carol Freeman, Becky Haynie, Sherry Sloan, Tessa Monk, Elana Myers, Maddie Means and Russ Comeaux for their benevolent and compassionate care. The family continues to be blessed and sustained by the enduring love and support of devoted family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Arbor Hospice (formerly OCMC Hospice, Camden) or the Rock Steady Boxing program at HealthWorks in El Dorado.
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