Odell Blackard

On Wednesday, June 7, 2017, Odell Blackard, 98 years old and the last of his generation, went home to his Heavenly family. He was born on April 13, 1919. He loved the Lord, his Church, his family, his friends and his life in Valliant, OK. Odell started school in the Watermill Community and graduated from Valliant High in 1937. He then played football and graduated from Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, OK, with a degree in Agriculture and came back to coach football for his alma mater Bulldogs. He worked in the CCC Camps and served his country in the Navy during WWII. He operated heavy equipment in Alaska and Oklahoma; he later retired from the Army Corps of Engineers at Pine Creek Lake. Odell married the love of his life, Lucille Thomas, on February 26, 1954, and they shared a wonderful 56 years together, most of which was in the Watermill Community of Valliant. Odell was an athlete who enjoyed a laugh with a friend, reunions with his family, and working with his cattle and horses. Odell was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille, and parents, Andrew & Addie Blackard. Six brothers and sisters-in-law: Frank & Grazel Blackard, Drew Mac & Edith Blackard, all of Valliant, OK; Jeff & Odia Blackard of Anchorage, AK; Sammie & Nat Blackard and Otis & Jack Blackard, of Baton Rouge, LA; and Willie & Eddie Blackard of Bastrop, LA. He had four sisters and brothers-in-law: Eunice & Matt Raiford and Gae & Grady Stevens, of Valliant, OK; Eddie Mae & Gene Shuler of Los Angeles, CA; and Fae & J.B. Nichols of Hickory Flats, MS. Celebrating his life are his son and daughter-in-law Joey & Tammy Blackard of Idabel, OK; grandsons, Collin Blackard of New York, NY, and Garrett & wife Shelah Blackard of Baton Rouge, LA. Also cherishing his memory are friends, family and nieces & nephews from Alaska to Florida and New York to California.