Glenn L. O'Dell

1946 - 2025

Nampa - Colonel Glenn O'Dell, US Army, Retired, 78, of Melba, Idaho passed away on August 19, 2025 at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise, Idaho.

Glenn was born on September 14, 1946 in Nampa, Idaho to Verl and Roberta O'Dell. Glenn had one brother, Gary, who joined the family in 1949. Glenn grew up in Kuna, Idaho and helped on the family farm, milking cows and farming with his dad until he graduated from Kuna High School in 1964. Glenn wanted to join the military his senior year, but he wasn't 18 and his mom wouldn't sign the paperwork. He told her he would join the Marines at 18 or if she would sign before he was 18, he would join the Army. He joined the US Army at 17 and left for boot camp in Fort Ord, California in September 1964.

Glenn attended Boise State University with a Criminal Justice Degree and later received his Masters in Business Administration. He fit college in wherever he could, in between work, family and military obligations. Glenn graduated from Boise State University in 1974 with a Business Administration Degree. Glenn held many jobs that all reflected his strong work ethic, resourcefulness and care for others. Glenn was known for always sticking up for the underdog and not letting others be taken advantage of. His career, whether in the private sector, public sector or the military, is a testament to his ethics and the amazing friendships he acquired throughout the years. Glenn took pride in providing for his family and supporting his wife and children in all they did.

Glenn met Sandi Ralls in Nampa, Idaho at the Red Steer Drive-In, in 1968. They were married on February 28, 1969, in Elko, Nevada. Glenn and Sandi moved around with the military and different jobs, until they bought their first home in Boise, Idaho. They later moved to Nampa, Idaho before settling in Melba, Idaho in 1983. Glenn's grandparents had moved to Melba in 1926 and were still living there.

Glenn had a distinguished 30 year career in the US Army. He traveled to many parts of the United States for military schools and training during his active duty time. He transitioned to the US Army Reserves once his oldest child started school and continued his military career as part of the 321st Engineer Battalion. During Glenn's military career, he attended Basic Armor School in Fort Knox, Kentucky, (1967). Shortly after Glenn and Sandi were married, they moved to Fort Benning, Georgia for Infantry School (1969). Glenn then spent a year in Korea. Glenn, Sandi, Shawn and Stephanie moved to Fort Belvoir, Virginia while he attended Engineer School (1977). Glenn attended Command General Staff College in Reno, NV (1981). Glenn was the Battalion Commander of the 321st Engineer Battalion in Boise, Idaho from 1983-1986. His Battalion was instrumental in completing many projects throughout the Northwest during his tenure in the US Army Reserve. Glenn was proud of his service and retired in 1994 as a Colonel.

Glenn served the Melba Community in different capacities. Glenn was a board member of the Melba Little League. Glenn was an instrumental member of the Melba School Board and served as Chairman as part of his tenure. Glenn was a member of the Divin-Slonecker American Legion Post 126 and Nampa Elks Lodge BPOE 1389.

In retirement, Glenn found a passion for helping other Veterans receive the benefits they deserved. Many Veterans in the Treasure Valley and Melba Community turned to Glenn and his son Shawn for help. His only wish from the Veterans he helped, was to pay it forward and help another Veteran. Glenn along with his son, JJ, also founded a non-profit thrift store that helped Veterans. It was always important to Glenn to help his fellow Veterans as much as he could.

Glenn is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sandi. His four children, Shawn O'Dell, Stephanie (Val) Brisbin, Allison (Matthew) Wilson and JJ (Laura) O'Dell. Eleven grandchildren, Haley (Josh) Prow, Kate (Travis) Voight, Jordan (Makky) Brisbin, Trey Wilson, Dylan Brisbin, Keylee Wilson, Finley O'Dell, Stokely O'Dell, Amber (Rob) Grice, Megan (Ryan) Harrison and Katie (Thomas) Miles. Nine Great Grandchildren, Eli Prow, Vivian Voight, Layla Miles, Aiden Harrison, Kelen Harrison, Bentley Miles, Iris Harrison, Tucker Miles and Avrie Grice, with another Great Grandson due in a few weeks. Glenn is survived by his brother, Gary (LaRene) O'Dell, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Glenn is preceded in death by his parents, Verl and Roberta O'Dell.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Divin-Slonecker American Legion Post 126, 304 4th Street, Melba, Idaho 83641.

The family would like to thank the Idaho State Veterans Home for the wonderful and loving care Glenn received while he was there. They truly care and treat Veterans with honor and dignity.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Melba Quick Response Unit.

109 4th St. Melba, Idaho 83641