Wilbert I. "Bert" Odem

ODEM Wilbert I. ("Bert') Odem, age 79 years, prominent geologist and devoted father. Wilbert passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 at his home in New Orleans, LA surrounded by his wife, Ellen and his children. He died of complications following heart surgery. Born in San Antonio, Texas in 1926, Bert was the second son of Wilbert Irwin and Brian S. Odem and brother to Sylvia, Sonny, Jimmy, Booya, Harry, and Anthony. He attended primary and secondary schools in Corpus Christi and Houston. At 18 years of age he joined the Navy and served his country during World War II as a naval aviator. He attended the University of Notre Dame where he graduated magna cum laude and went on to receive his Master's degree in Geology from The University of Kansas. Bert worked for 25 years as a Petroleum Geologist at Chevron Oil Company in New Orleans where he directed exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. He continued his career as Vice President of Exploration at Equitable Petroleum and then as an independent consultant for the oil industry with his good friend, Robert Kline. A member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Bert's professional talents and abilities were admired by many. He officially retired in 1992. Bert was married for 49 years to Ellen Catherine O'Brien, a native of New Orleans. Together they raised nine children, Peggy, Willie, Mary, Sarah, Danny, Jennifer, Nancy, Sylvia, and Leslie. His family was his first concern in life and he gave them his unstinting time and support. He took great pleasure in his 15 grandchildren: Dylan, Adlis, Leah, Meira, Isaac, Ellen, Sammy, Riley, Zachary, Rosie, Collette, Nathan, Willie, John Avery and Luc, all of whom adored him. He also loved and cherished his "Nodems': Carrie, Ralph, Steve, Mimi, Brian, Robert and Charles. A deeply religious man, Bert was a generous benefactor to many Catholic churches and charities. When he retired he volunteered at the Mary Joseph Residence for the Elderly, and throughout his life time he put in many hours as coach, counselor and mentor to the many young people who came to know him. It is thought that Bert must have been a farmer in an earlier life, as his green thumb produced many plentiful harvests - from roses and amaryllis to tomatoes, okra and grapefruit. Saturdays at the Odem household harkened back to his Texas roots as Bert slowly and methodically prepared his famous pinto beans and cheese enchiladas. His favorite holiday was Christmas when all his children and grandchildren made the trek back to New Orleans. Bert made many friends during his lifetime and will be remembered as a quiet, thoughtful, and strong man with a generous heart and a very distinctive sense of humor. A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2005 at 1PM at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 1307 Louisiana Ave., New Orleans, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mary Joseph Residence for the Elderly, 4201 Woodland Dr., New Orleans, LA 70131 (504) 394-2200 or to the Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society, 7155 Oakridge Dr., San Antonio, TX 78229, (210) 657-4968.