Edith Odom Obituary
Visit the Harrell Funeral Home of Kingsland website to view the full obituary.
Edith Marie Odom, a beacon of warmth and kindness, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, in Kingsland, Texas at the age of 88. Born on August 13, 1937, in Herne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Edith's journey began when she was born to Julius and Erna Recktenwald in the industrial heartland of Germany. During the WWII her parents moved as war refugees to Illingen, Saar from where her father and grand-father originated. In Illingen she attended school and started her life as an adult.
During the war Edith, as the oldest, grew up alongside her siblings, Peter and for a short time Monica, who preceded her in death. Shortly after the war her youngest brother Klaus was born in Illingen. Her early years were marked by challenging times as a child in post-war Germany. Edith had an early start in the adult world, as she started contributing to her family's livelihood at the tender age of fourteen, as was common in Germany during those years. Her industrious nature led her to various jobs in the Illingen region before she found her calling as an accountant at the Post Bank in Frankfurt.
It was in Frankfurt that Edith's life took a romantic turn when she met the love of her life, Doyle Odom Sr., a serviceman stationed in Frankfurt. Their love story crossed continents and cultures, culminating in a marriage that stood the test of time.
The first stop was Lubbock, Texas where she lived near her in-laws Louise and Morris Wade. Also nearby, in Ropesville, the family of her sister-in-law, Inez Kimberlin, provided friendship and support while Doyle was in Vietnam.
Edith's unwavering support for her husband's extended military career saw her living on military bases in the United States, Ethiopia, Korea and Panama. At some of these bases she took on roles such as store manager and cleaning crew manager. After Doyle's retirement they moved to Kingsland, Texas in 1989 where they bought a home on Lake LBJ. From there her life partnership with Doyle Sr. extended beyond the home as she became his partner in the rental business. In addition her commitment to the local community was evident in her twenty-year tenure as the Treasurer of the Kingsland American Legion Auxiliary.
Those who knew Edith will remember her for her friendly demeanor and adventurous spirit. She was a well rounded woman, with interests that ranged from sewing, bowling, cooking and gardening. Her home was a testament to her love for order and beauty. One of Edith's well known sayings among family, "I'm not sleeping, I'm just resting my eyes," was a reflection of her ability to find humor amidst her busy life.Edith's love and the memories she created with her family and friends will forever remain a part of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Edith is survived by her devoted husband, Doyle Sr.; her loving children, Bernhard and his wife Renata and her family, and Doyle Jr. and Laverne.
Edith was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Erna (born Ambrosy) Recktenwald, her brother Peter, her sister Monica, and daughter Karen Sue Miller.
In Germany Edith is thought of fondly by her nephews and nieces, Petra,Ulli, Michael, Ullrike (deceased), Timo, and Joerg Recktenwald; as well as her grand-nephews and grand-nieces, Tamara Knaff, Lucas Recktenwald, and Sascha Schaefer.
In Texas she is thought of fondly by her cherished grandchildren, Doyle III, Ryan, Joshua, David Jr., Jeff (deceased), and Taylor.
She is remembered fondly by the Kimberlin children of her cherished deceased in-laws Inez and Philip. The children are Steve, Jim, Ronnie, Ricky, Coby and Kathy. Also, remembering her fondly are the Kern family, from Germany, Marliese, Lisa and Rolf. In addition, her cousins, Astrid, Christa, and Carmen et al. Their memories of Edith are held dear.
As we bid farewell to Edith Marie Odom, we celebrate a life well-lived. Edith's life was a rich tapestry of love, dedication, and service to family and community. Her life was a journey of love, resilience, and grace. While Edith will be deeply missed by all who knew her, her spirit will continue to inspire those she has left behind.
A reception will follow graveside services for family and friends at 3520 River Oaks Dr. in Kingsland, Texas. Food and drink will be provided.
Edith's journey began when she was born to Julius and Erna Recktenwald in the industrial heartland of Germany. During the WWII her parents moved as war refugees to Illingen, Saar from where her father and grand-father originated. In Illingen she attended school and started her life as an adult.
During the war Edith, as the oldest, grew up alongside her siblings, Peter and for a short time Monica, who preceded her in death. Shortly after the war her youngest brother Klaus was born in Illingen. Her early years were marked by challenging times as a child in post-war Germany. Edith had an early start in the adult world, as she started contributing to her family's livelihood at the tender age of fourteen, as was common in Germany during those years. Her industrious nature led her to various jobs in the Illingen region before she found her calling as an accountant at the Post Bank in Frankfurt.
It was in Frankfurt that Edith's life took a romantic turn when she met the love of her life, Doyle Odom Sr., a serviceman stationed in Frankfurt. Their love story crossed continents and cultures, culminating in a marriage that stood the test of time.
The first stop was Lubbock, Texas where she lived near her in-laws Louise and Morris Wade. Also nearby, in Ropesville, the family of her sister-in-law, Inez Kimberlin, provided friendship and support while Doyle was in Vietnam.
Edith's unwavering support for her husband's extended military career saw her living on military bases in the United States, Ethiopia, Korea and Panama. At some of these bases she took on roles such as store manager and cleaning crew manager. After Doyle's retirement they moved to Kingsland, Texas in 1989 where they bought a home on Lake LBJ. From there her life partnership with Doyle Sr. extended beyond the home as she became his partner in the rental business. In addition her commitment to the local community was evident in her twenty-year tenure as the Treasurer of the Kingsland American Legion Auxiliary.
Those who knew Edith will remember her for her friendly demeanor and adventurous spirit. She was a well rounded woman, with interests that ranged from sewing, bowling, cooking and gardening. Her home was a testament to her love for order and beauty. One of Edith's well known sayings among family, "I'm not sleeping, I'm just resting my eyes," was a reflection of her ability to find humor amidst her busy life.Edith's love and the memories she created with her family and friends will forever remain a part of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Edith is survived by her devoted husband, Doyle Sr.; her loving children, Bernhard and his wife Renata and her family, and Doyle Jr. and Laverne.
Edith was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Erna (born Ambrosy) Recktenwald, her brother Peter, her sister Monica, and daughter Karen Sue Miller.
In Germany Edith is thought of fondly by her nephews and nieces, Petra,Ulli, Michael, Ullrike (deceased), Timo, and Joerg Recktenwald; as well as her grand-nephews and grand-nieces, Tamara Knaff, Lucas Recktenwald, and Sascha Schaefer.
In Texas she is thought of fondly by her cherished grandchildren, Doyle III, Ryan, Joshua, David Jr., Jeff (deceased), and Taylor.
She is remembered fondly by the Kimberlin children of her cherished deceased in-laws Inez and Philip. The children are Steve, Jim, Ronnie, Ricky, Coby and Kathy. Also, remembering her fondly are the Kern family, from Germany, Marliese, Lisa and Rolf. In addition, her cousins, Astrid, Christa, and Carmen et al. Their memories of Edith are held dear.
As we bid farewell to Edith Marie Odom, we celebrate a life well-lived. Edith's life was a rich tapestry of love, dedication, and service to family and community. Her life was a journey of love, resilience, and grace. While Edith will be deeply missed by all who knew her, her spirit will continue to inspire those she has left behind.
A reception will follow graveside services for family and friends at 3520 River Oaks Dr. in Kingsland, Texas. Food and drink will be provided.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Harrell Funeral Home of Kingsland
145 Texas Ave, Kingsland, TX 78639
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