Odell Mattox

Odell Mattox passed away on Monday April 7, 2025, at the age of 87. Odell was born on August 22, 1937, in Jenkins, Missouri to William and Violeta Mattox.
Odell married Joyce Ethridge on May 28, 1960, in Aurora, Missouri, and lived a long and joyous marriage of 64 years. Odell graduated as a Houn' Dawg from Aurora High School in 1955. As a veteran, Odell proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Korea. After serving in the Army, Odell worked as a skilled laborer installing Sprinkler systems with Sprinkler Fitters of America. He retired as a member of UA Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 in 1998 after working 33 years. He was a devout and steadfast member of the Aurora Fundamental Methodist Church. During this time Odell also took over the family farm as a cattle farmer. The farm was recognized as a Century Farm in 2007.
Odell was completely committed to his family, raising two children, and holding a significant role in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He dedicated his life to mentoring, guiding, and helping his family in every way he could, never missing a sporting event, birthday, or any other significant time in his children's and grandchildren's lives. In his unwavering support, Odell was always there in times of need. While managing the family farm, Odell used his ingenuity and skill to design and build barns, corrals, fencing, and many other useful farm equipment. His self-sufficiency will continue to provide for the family farm for years to come, with equipment decades old still being used by the family today.
Odell's hard work, commitment to family, and enduring toughness will leave a strong and lasting legacy on his family for generations to come. He will be deeply missed by his family.
Odell is survived by his wife, Joyce, of 64 years; one son, Brian Mattox and his wife, Tammi of Verona, Missouri; one daughter, Marilyn Schellen and her husband, Tim, of Aurora, Missouri; six grandchildren, Preston Mattox and Michelle Patton of St. Peters, Missouri, Brandon (Brenna) Mattox of Nixa, Missouri, Dillon (Haley) Mattox of Clever, Missouri, Brett (Paige) Schellen, of Aurora, Missouri, Lucas Schellen and Sarah Davis of Aurora, Missouri and Timmy Schellen of Springfield, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Lainey Schellen and Norah Mattox; one sister, Anna Ruth Mann, of Raytown, Missouri and several nieces and nephews.
Odell was preceded in death by his parents, William, and Violeta; one brother, J.C. Mattox and his wife, Fayrene; one sister, Delphyne Dunning and her husband, Johnnie and one brother-in-law, Don Mann.
A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at the Maple Park Cemetery in Aurora.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Auora Fundamental Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be shared at this website.