Elva Leroy O'Dell Jr.

Leroy was born in Van Buren, MO, on June 16, 1946, to Elva Leroy, Sr. and Dora Burnam O’Dell. He graduated from Poplar Bluff High School and entered military service with the United States Navy on December 28, 1965. He was discharged on October 7, 1969 as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) in Kingsville, TX. Leroy then married his wife of 54 years, Marsha Ann Byrd on December 12, 1969.

Leroy excelled in various professional careers working at Bell Helicopter, Tex-Air, Yoder Motor Company, Clark-Knapp Motor Company (winning prestigious National Service Advisor of the Year), Superior Alarms, and finally at Rollins Home Team. Dad loved his 1961 Corvette and was an active member, and former president, of the Rio Grande Valley Corvette Club, model railroading, aviation spotting, gardening, auto mechanical hobbies, riding his Harley Davidson, and keeping up with his pride and joy, his son Craig Russell (Russ) O’Dell. He was also actively involved in the First Baptist Church of McAllen with Pageant, Royal Ambassadors, and Awana Leadership. Most recently, he and Marsha were members of the First Baptist Church of Carrollton, TX.

Leroy was an amazing husband, superior role model, leader, fantastic father, and faithful friend. He had an amazing sense of humor, engagement, curiosity, and interest in the lives of his friends and family. Most importantly, Leroy was passionate about his faith in Jesus Christ who was his closest friend and companion through the ups and downs of his life. He demonstrated a quiet, but resilient, faith that was evident to those who knew him well. He instilled his faith in to his family with devotion and love that left a lasting legacy for decades to come.

Leroy is preceded in death by his parents and older sister Annette, his sister-in-law Sandra Yoder, brother-in-law Charles Yoder, and brother-in-law Fendol Madison Chiles, III.

Leroy is survived by Marsha Ann O’Dell, his “favorite son” Russ O’Dell, (Jacob), beloved sister Marsha Rose (John) Young, Cynthia (Allen) Cohrs, Linda (Greg) Simnacher, David (Teresa) Chiles, Patti Chiles, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will commence on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 3-5pm with services beginning at 4pm at Rhoton Funeral Home located at 1511 South I-35E Carrollton, Texas 75006.