Henry Odom

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Henry Odom will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at The Lighthouse Church, Oakdale, with Reverends Brandon Willis and Jerry Odom officiating. Interment will follow in Oakhill Cemetery, Oakdale, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale.
Henry Odom, a devoted husband, beloved father, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the age of 85.
A man of deep and unwavering faith, Henry lived his life as a witness to the love and grace of Jesus Christ. He was a longtime Sunday school teacher and a dedicated board member of his church, faithfully serving his congregation and community. He read his Bible daily and shared its message with everyone he met. His words, actions, and quiet strength reflected a life rooted in belief and a heart full of joy.
He was known for his constant smile and uplifting spirit. To those who knew him, it truly seemed like he never had a bad day. His warmth and kindness lit up every room, and he brought comfort and encouragement wherever he went.
He shared sixty-one beautiful years of marriage with the love of his life, Rita, cherishing every moment they spent together. Their bond was an example of true partnership, grounded in love, faith, and mutual respect.
Family was the joy of his life, and he wore the titles of "Pawpaw" and "G Pawpaw" with pride and delight. He poured love, laughter, and wisdom into the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always making them feel special, seen, and deeply loved.
Outside of church and family, Henry found joy in the simple things: fishing on quiet mornings, sipping his favorite Community Coffee, and cheering on his beloved LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints.
Henry leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and kindness. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but his life and example will continue to inspire those he touched.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall, Sr. and Mary Odom; and four sisters, Francis Zimmerman, Olive Coker, Betty Jo Johnson, and Alene Funderburk.
Henry is survived by his loving wife of sixty-one years, Rita Phillips Odom; one son, Jonathan Odom; one daughter, Meleah Odom Fearnow, and her husband, Ryan Fearnow; two brothers, Marshall Odom, Jr. and Phillip Odom, and his wife, Linda; two sisters, Ruthie Ray, and her husband, Autumn, and Charlene Bell, and her husband, Will; five grandchildren, Derek Odom, Dylan Odom, Kaylee Odom, Cora Fearnow Hughes, and her husband, Johnathan Hughes, and Colby Fearnow; and two great-grandchildren, Tristan Hughes and Adaline Hughes.
A time of visitation will be held at The Lighthouse Church, Oakdale, on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 12:00 noon until time of services.
His favorite scripture, John 14:1-4, was a source of comfort and hope throughout his life:
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Lighthouse Church.
Friends may post online messages of condolences for the Odom family by visiting www.rushfh.com