Thomas David Odegard

Thomas David Odegard, 54, of Henderson, Nevada, and formerly of Manchester, passed away on June 27, 2018.

Tom was born Feb. 18, 1964, and raised in Manchester attending Keeney Street Elementary, Bennett Jr. High, and MHS. He played and loved football from midget league through Manchester High School and had hoped to one day play for the Minnesota Vikings – and spend his entire career with them – Tom admired old-fashioned sportsmanship. Tom left home at an early age and traveled widely, later settling near Las Vegas, the town and desert area that he loved. He was kind, friendly, and thoughtful, insightful, a good boy and a good man, he is lovingly remembered as all these things. Tom was courageous and independent through many difficult times in his life, he did his best. Then, seemingly unable to find peace here, he died by his own hand. We pray for him and have to know that he is at peace now, and that he has the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Tom was predeceased by his birth mother, Karen (Naymaster) Odegard; stepmother, MaryAnne (Squires) Odegard; and brother, Jeffrey Shaw. He is survived by his father, David Odegard; sisters, Lynn Black, Christine (Danny) Huppe, and Heather (Michael) Hazel; sister-in-law, Patricia Shaw; and brother, Mark Shaw. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Chelsea (Michael), Alexa, Emma, Meghan, Kevin, Tyler, Ryan, Liam, and Frankie, with some ending many nighttime prayers with "and please Bless Tom, the uncle I have never met." We cannot but believe that all loving ones will be joined someday.

Hopefully something good can come in some way from the loss of Tom, now, and also long ago. Good souls can bravely reach out to those (often within their own families) handicapped by 'invisible conditions,' giving companionship, precious time, humble hellos and smiles and helping hands, forgiveness, love, and even 'tough love' sometimes. Some who are troubled and feeling hopeless can bring themselves to admit that and seek reconnections and give others another chance, and even ask for another chance. Life is always worth another try, we are all only human and often don't show or accept (or know) these saving things, but where there is life there can be hope. Tom's family and friends, and undoubtedly even caring strangers, tried to help him as best they could. Many were graced by his life.

A family service will be held at Buckland Cemetery and Tom will be interred with his stepmother, our beloved Nana MaryAnne.

Any memorial contributions could be made to

Covenanthouse.org,

an organization that takes in young people who find themselves alone, or other charitable organizations.