Harry Odem

Harry Heaney Odem, 80, passed away unexpectedly in Austin, Texas on November 16, 2011 in the presence of his loving family. Born on March 24, 1931 in Corpus Christi, Texas, Harry was preceded in death by his parents Brian Sylvester Odem and Wilbert Irwin Odem, his sister, Sylvia Odem Landrum, and his brothers Brian, Bert, Jimmy, Anthony, and Boo Odem, and his nephew, Thomas Odem.
Harry attended elementary school at Saint Anne Catholic School and graduated in 1950 from Saint Thomas High School in Houston, Texas. Like his father and several brothers, Harry graduated from the University of Notre Dame where he received a B.A. in English and Education in 1958. Continuing family tradition, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955. He was a proud decorated veteran of the Korean War serving as an Aviation Electronics Technician in Fighter Squadron Forty-Three on U.S. Carriers in China and the Coral Sea. After college, Harry taught secondary English at Stell Middle School in Brownsville, Texas and Pearland High School. Later, he founded Texas Athletic Supply Company and HO Enterprises, where he was always happy to employ a family member in need. Harry loved spending weekends at his river house, antiquing, collecting books, spoiling his grandchildren, and happily enjoying his role as favorite uncle. He took great pleasure in his regular monthly get-togethers at Patrenella's with his St. Thomas High School classmates, who still maintained a very close bond after 60 years.
Harry was very proud of his Irish ancestry and his family's contribution to developing South Texas. His ancestor, James McGloin, Impresario from Ireland, received a land grant and brought in 200 Irish Catholic families to colonize San Patricio County in the early 1800s. His great-grandfather, David Odem, fought in the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. His grandfather, rancher Dave Odem, co-founded Sinton and Odem, Texas, served as Sheriff of Odem, Texas, and later as a Texas Ranger. His father, Brian S. Odem, was the U.S. District Attorney for The Southern District of Texas from 1944 to 1954.
Harry is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Joann Peduzzi Odem of Houston, Texas, daughters, Kerry Ann Odem and Tina Dusterhoft, and husband Jason Dusterhoft and their children, Ellie and Hayden Dusterhoft, all of Austin, Texas. In addition, Harry leaves two brother-in-laws, Reynold Peduzzi and wife Bibiana, and Ronald Peduzzi and wife Carolyn, plus forty-four nieces and nephews. Harry's quick wit, his playful personality, his love of books, and dedication to his family will be deeply missed.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77098. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.