Odell Bliss Wilhite

Odell Bliss Wilhite, Sr. was born September 26, 1922 to Clifton and Nora ‘Arrington’ Wilhite in Dublin, Texas, and entered into eternal life on January 1, 2024, in Katy, Texas.

Odell is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 69 years - Jane Bastean Wilhite, his children - Mary Verginia and Michael Odell, and his siblings - C.B. Wilhite, Nora Moncrief, Sue Wilson, Johnny Wilhite and Joyce Lane.

He is survived by his sister, Lucile (91) and his children: Shirley Wilhite, Cathy Ditta, Martha McLain and husband Jake, Odell B. Wilhite, Jr. and wife Patti, Joseph Wilhite and wife Carolyn, Paul Wilhite and wife Melissa, and Fr. Philip Wilhite. He was abundantly blessed with 17 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 4 great- great grands - all who were his pride and joy!

Odell was a graduate of Dublin High School, where he also excelled in and enjoyed playing football. He volunteered to serve his country during World War II joining the Army and serving as part of the 844th Engineer Aviation Battalion. He was grateful for the years he served as a Cook and Baker in the Army and often told stories of places he traveled, help they offered to the citizens of these countries, and of many humorous experiences.

Upon his honorable discharge at the conclusion of the war, Odell returned home and married his wife, Jane. They initially made their home close to her family in Missouri and eventually moved to Texas where he could find more work.

Odell was part of Cement Mason Local 681 in Houston and worked for over 40 years in the construction of Houston. He often remembered and commented on the various jobs as he toured his family around Houston, including many of the downtown high rise buildings and the Washburn Tunnel under the ship channel. Odell worked hard to provide for his family, often going to work even when he wasn’t feeling well. It was important to him to provide a loving home to shelter his family - as he shared memories of not always having a home as a child during the Depression years.

Odell had a gentle spirit with a loving disposition - blessed too with a stubborn streak which has proven to be a family trait. He helped strangers in need, served as a Hospitality Minister for many years at his home parish - Assumption Catholic Church in Houston, assisted with the set up and working at many Church bazaars — volunteering wherever he was needed.

Odell also made time after work to coach and attend the Little League baseball and softball games of his children. When he worked late, he would go directly to the practice field to meet Jane with the equipment.

He always had a vegetable garden and some years it was huge. In his later years he also enjoyed planting and tending to a vast variety of flowers - he could make anything grow! He also had a love for pets and his dogs would often be near him in the yard or napping with him as he sat in the swing.

We remember the happiness and competition of many games of 42, 84 and Moon! His family remembers and thanks him for being such a wonderful dad, grandfather and great-grandfather! We love you and miss you already!

Odell has completed his journey and rests now in our Lord’s heart. The family expresses their deepest gratitude to all who shared in Odell’s journey: family and friends, parishioners at Assumption- St. Albert and Sacred Heart, to the Team at Pax Et Vita Hospice - especially to Lilda, Leslie, Janet and to Elaine Bronikowski.

The family will receive visitors from 5-730pm on Monday, January 15 at Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Freeway, Houston - with a Rosary to be recited at 7pm. The Mass of Resurrection will be at 10am on Tuesday, January 16 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe, Texas. The Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.

Service Pallbearers in Odell’s memory are his grandsons: Mark Ditta, Michael Ditta, Daniel McLain, James Wilhite, Charles Wilhite, Michael Wilhite, Andrew Wilhite, David Wilhite, John Wilhite and Austin Wilhite.

A vigil and rosary for Odell will be held Monday, January 15, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060. A church service will occur Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 109 N Frazier St, Conroe, TX 77301. A committal will occur Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale St, Houston, TX 77023.