Frederick "Fred" Odell

Fred Odell, 95, of Irving, Texas, passed away on July 11, 2025. He lived a life of service, learning, and adventure. Fred was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 30, 1930 to Fred Barron and Helen Tawney Odell. He was preceded in death by his parents, his younger sister, Barbara H. Griffith, and his first wife, Mary Jo Blakeway Odell. He is survived by his wife Estelle Jewell Odell, sons Steven (Shannon) and Paul (Deb) Odell, daughter Susan Rhoades, and four stepchildren, Leslie, Andrew (Krista), Michael, and Holly Jewell. He has six grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was a graduate of Superior Central High School in Superior, Wisconsin, earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, and is the holder of an MBA from the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas.
He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-1960 where he flew with the Strategic Air Command in B-52 Aircraft as navigator and electronic warfare officer. He left the Air Force with the rank of Captain and over 2,000 flying hours. Following six years of honorable service, he built a long and successful career in the electronic components industry. He held both sales and leadership roles at several respected companies, including Texas Instruments, C.P. Clare, Gates Rubber Company, and Chicago Miniature Lamp Company, where he was known for his strategic thinking, strong relationships, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His professionalism and integrity left a lasting impression on colleagues and clients alike. He was also an amateur radio operator for over 50 years, known on the airwaves by his call sign W5BVA.
Fred was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, attending both St. Stephens Presbyterian and Woodhaven Presbyterian in Irving, Texas, for the past 65 years. Fred retired in 1993 and shifted his focus to personal interests. He had an insatiable curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. He read the newspaper front to back each day and could often be found tinkering with electronics, gadgets, and whatever trinkets sparked his interest. He had a talent for working with his hands and could renovate nearly every part of a house with skill and excellence. He dedicated this skill to the many rental properties he and his wife owned and to renovation service projects through his church. A true adventurer at heart, he loved sailing and had over 35 years of experience on the water. He particularly enjoyed coastal cruising. He and his wife traveled around the world with favorite stops in Rome and China. He had a deep appreciation for food and was rarely seen without a snack in hand. He found joy equally in life's simple pleasures and grand adventures.
His grandchildren will always remember their time sailing with him, attending symphonies, operas, and plays, and enjoying delicious food. His great-grandchildren will remember the delight he took in watching them build Legos, dance, and tell silly jokes.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home of Irving (606 West Airport Freeway, Irving). To honor Fred's life, a graveside service with military honors will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at DFW National Cemetery (2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas). A Celebration of Life will follow at Woodhaven Presbyterian Church at 11:30 a.m. Please join us for a reception with food and time to connect in the Fellowship Hall following the service.
Fred's family is requesting that memorial donations be made to the Woodhaven Presbyterian Church - 3650 N O'Connor Rd, Irving, TX 75062 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Frederick "Fred", please visit our Tree Store.