Tom L. Odell

1951 - 2023

Tom L. Odell
Born: October 27, 1951 in Allegan, Michigan
Died: June 2, 2023 in Princeton, Illinois
Tom L. Odell of Wyanet went to be with his Savior Friday, June 2nd, surrounded by his family at Saint Clare Medical Center in Princeton, IL. He was born October 27th, 1951 in Allegan, MI to Richard and Donnetta Odell.
Tom grew up in a farmhouse full of laughter and shenanigans with his five siblings in Gobles, MI: Terry (Janet) Odell of Gobles, MI; Teresa (Gene) Dillenbeck of Gobles, MI; Tracy (Mary) Odell of Greenwood, AR; Tod (Linda) Odell of Bloomingdale, MI; and Tammy (Max) Thompson of Sheffield, IL. He graduated from Gobles High School in 1969 and Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music with a degree in Christian Ministry/Bible where he enjoyed being active in ministry and traveling singing groups.
He met the love of his life of almost 51 years, Beverly (Barker) Odell of Wyanet while at College. They were married June 24th, 1972. He was a devoted and loving father to their two children, Kimberly (Chuck) of Manhattan, KS and Curtis (Jessica) of Princeton. His 8 grandchildren quickly became a source of great joy. He supported every endeavor of Caleb (Danielle), Aly, Jake, Anna and Ethan Lambert and Cade, Joel and Callie Odell. He was their number one fan.
Tom lived his life to serve the Lord, his family, his church and his community. His love for the Lord and His church led him to associate pastor and youth pastor positions at Ross Memorial Bible Church, Port Huron, MI, Spring Valley Chapel in Houston, TX, and Tanglewood Bible Fellowship in Duncan, OK. He was ordained for ministry in 1982 at Tanglewood Bible Fellowship. He most recently served as an elder of Princeton Bible Church and loved his role as teacher and principal of Princeton Christian Academy.
Tom was well known by many community members in each of the locations that they called home. Whether it was selling Christmas trees, helping farmers, or serving and directing organizations in many capacities. He and Beverly moved to Illinois to help with the family business and he spent time working at Barker Milling and Grain, Barker Market Advisory Program and Barker Energy. He also worked for Bureau Valley Schools and US Postal Service. Tom was a huge sports fan. He spent many days on the golf course and he even achieved a hole in one at the Spring Creek golf course. His favorite teams were the ones his grandchildren played for and the Princeton Christian Academy Eagles. He was known for his contagious laugh, his beautiful singing voice and huge bear hugs.
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He leaves behind his loving family, including his mother, 5 siblings, his wife, two children and their spouses, 8 grandchildren, sisters-in laws and brother in laws, 14 nieces and nephews and many others who had the privilege of knowing and serving with him. Tom was preceded in death by his father.
Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Princeton Bible Church with Rev. Curtis Odell and Rev. Chuck Lambert officiating. His family will receive friends from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Church. Arrangements are through The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Memorial may be directed to the Princeton Christian Academy or the Princeton Bible Church.