Rodney O'Dell

Rodney Dean O'Dell died on Saturday, August 16, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Diane O'Dell, his brother Mark O'Dell, and extended family throughout the USA. Rodney had families in addition to his physical family. He was involved in various music circles, he loved camping with friends, going to bluegrass festivals, sightseeing, and his "wander-abouts." Rodney was known to get up from any daily activity, decide he needed to wander and go driving around town, walk around the neighborhood, go exploring around the campground, etc. If we couldn't find him, we knew he would wander back home soon.
His accountant-mind was always working and keeping his disorganized wife much more organized than she would ever be without him. He was excellent at organizing the household. He could also be spontaneous and loved to surprise Diane.
Even though Rodney's physical heart failed him, his soul-heart was as big and healthy as anyone could have. He didn't suffer fools, but would love and protect those he loved with all his heart. He was loyal to his friends, had amazing stories to tell about anything, and had a laugh that drew you in so that you were laughing with him immediately.
Rodney will be greatly missed by those of us left behind. He has joined friends, family and musical heroes who passed before him.
Rodney, have fun playing and singing with John, Guy, Townes, Jerry Jeff and the rest of your musical heroes. We will be listening for those songs in the wind.
A Celebration of Rodney's Life will be held on October 25, 2025 at Club Estates East, 12260 SE Main St., Portland, OR 97223 between 1:00 and 3:00 pm. If you can attend, please bring any pictures you wish to share, and feel free to share your memories of him, if you wish. We will also have a short jam session at the end of the Celebration so bring your instruments and your voices.