He was proceeded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Jerry Gatz Odle. He is survived by his three sons: Steve (Karen) Odle of Vestavia Hills, AL; Dr. Sam (Malinda) Odle of Scottsdale, AZ; Dr. John (Cheryl) Odle of Jasper, AL; Grandsons Tyler (Lindsey) Odle of Hoover, AL; Charles Odle of Cudjoe Key, FL; Dallas and Skylar Odle of Scottsdale, AZ; granddaughters Erin Odle of Atlanta, GA; Katherine Odle of Jasper, AL; and two great grandchildren, Miller and Olivia Odle of Hoover, AL and his dear friend Jackie Matte.
He will be remembered as a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather with a quick wit. He was a long-time member of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church and the Trinity Sunday school class. He was a lifelong avid golfer and longtime member of Hoover (formerly Green Valley) Country Club, playing golf into his mid 80’s, giving up the game then because he was “just not competitive anymore.”
After graduating from McPherson College, KS with a degree in chemistry, Bob entered the Air Force in October 1950. He was accepted into pilot training in 1951, eventually earning his wings and being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant Jet Fighter Pilot in 1952. He completed 90 missions over North Korea as part of the 8th Fighter Bomber Squadron and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with 2 clusters. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1953 he began work with Barton Salt Company in Kansas before eventually going to work with Vulcan Materials Company, Wichita, KS in their chemical’s division. In 1975, Bob was transferred to Birmingham, AL to Vulcan’s corporate headquarters. He worked 31 years until his retirement on September 30,1993.
Bob was a member of The American Chemical Society and The American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He was active and involved in several trade associations including The Chlorine Institute, Compressed Gas Association, American Standards for Testing and Materials, American Waterworks Association, American Wood Preservers Association and federal agencies, EPA, OSHA and DOT.
As per Bob’s wishes he will be cremated and placed in final interment alongside his wife Jerry at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church in their columbarium.
Memorials may be sent to Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church designated for the Care and Support Ministry.
