Robert McCormick Odell

Robert McCormick Odell was born in the city of Oxnard in Ventura County on May 9,1929. He was the first child and son of Robert Russell Odell and Mary Dolores McCormick. He returned to his heavenly home on July 27, 2022 at the age of 93, while at home in Garden Grove, California. Robert’s mother, Mary, passed away in 1952. In 1954 his father married Eleanor Leonard Miller. Robert, his brother, and three sisters warmly welcomed Eleanor into the family.

Robert graduated from Hollywood High School in 1947. After high school, he attended the city college. He worked on the family ranch and owned and operated Odell’s Children’s Shop. He was an enthusiastic traveler, hiker and camper for most of his life. He enjoyed exploring and hiking the Sierras as well as the National Parks and California State Parks. He frequently ventured to other countries to explore, hike and learn about the culture. He had fond memories of his time in Australia, South America, Canada, France, and Italy. Robert grew up in a family of devout Catholics and he maintained his strong Catholic faith throughout his life. He was very proud and humbled to have the honor of participating in serving mass with Pope Pius XII in 1950 while he was in Rome.

He married Anna Floriene Sheridan in 1980. With his marriage to Anna, Robert gained six daughters and 7 grandchildren. It wasn’t long before Robert became officially known as “Grandpa”. At the time of his death, he had 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. He was very proud of all his “grands”.

His traveling and hiking continued with Anna joining him on the adventures. They were especially excited to visit and explore much of our own country when they embarked on a 30 day bus trip across the United States with fellow hiking friends. Robert and Anna also visited Spain, Portugal, the Galapagos Islands, Morocco, and Nova Scotia.

He was a very kind, caring and gentle man who cared greatly about his family and friends. His firm belief and faith in God supported him and gave him peace all the days of his life.

He is survived by 2 sisters, Mary Ann Odell McEveety (Vincent), Virginia Ellen Odell Thornton (Thomas) and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Odell (Bruce). He is also survived by his daughters Betty Beckmann (Rick), Linda Tognazzini, Patty Miller (David), Marilyn Eldridge (Ed), and Janet Sheridan McCree (Joe), many loving nieces and nephews and the 37 “grands”. He is predeceased by his wife, Anna Floriene Sheridan Odell, his daughter Judy Luther (Jack), his brother Bruce McGrath Odell, sister Patricia Jane Odell, brother-in-laws Vincent McEveety and Thomas Thornton, and nephew Rob Thornton.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at lls.org in honor of two of his granddaughters.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dimondshannonmortuary.com for the Odell family.