John W. O'Daniel

1945 - 2019

MONMOUTH - John W. O'Daniel, 74, Monmouth, died at 5:09 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2019, at his home.

He was born May 25, 1945, in Monmouth, the son of James Arrell and Sarahbelle "Talbott" O'Daniel. John was raised and educated in Monmouth and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1963. He later attended Oklahoma State Tech in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

John proudly served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1967.

He married Janine Allen on May 10, 1969, at Immaculate Conception Church in Monmouth.

John owned and operated Maple City Steele in Monmouth for over 40 years. He started collecting, repairing and restoring cars and motorcycles at a young age, which was a lifelong passion for him. John was known to enjoy a warm Guinness. He would randomly drop off a flat (yes, a flat) of blueberries or a random pineapple at his kids' houses. He loved to dance, attending Moose Lodge #579. And he brought cranberries to every holiday celebration.

John was the first person his children would call when they needed advice and elbow grease. His talents to build and create were limitless. If you could draw it, John could build it. He was able to be doing what he loved until the very last day, working alongside his son. He instilled the value of trust and hard work in each of his children.

John enjoyed attending all of his children's and grandchildren's sporting events. He always enjoyed the time he got to spend with his family, especially his grandchildren. John was a longtime member of the Monmouth Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Burlington, Iowa. John enjoyed volunteering weekly at the Burlington Food Pantry.

Surviving John are his children, Meghan (Chris "Moose") Kohn of Bettendorf, Iowa, J. Andrew (Heather) O'Daniel of Monmouth, Emily (Jeremy) Adolphson of Monmouth, J.C. (Sylvia) O'Daniel of Monmouth and Richard Huston of Roseville; and his grandchildren, Harper O'Daniel, Jakob O'Daniel, Leighton Huston, Sullivan Huston, Emrick Huston, Moxie Adolphson, Breeah Olomon, Aylah O'Daniel and Gage O'Daniel. Also surviving is Janine O'Daniel of Monmouth.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one grandson, Will J. Kohn.

John left his children the ability to think outside the box, to work hard every day and to offer and receive help when needed. He was one of a kind. Those who were lucky enough to know him are blessed with memories of his humor and passion for life. As he gave in life, he gave in death. John donated substantially to Gift of Hope.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday July 28, 2019, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. A private family interment will be in Monmouth Cemetery at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials may be made to the Burlington Food Pantry or Jamieson Center. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.