Donald L. O'Dell

Donald L. O'Dell, 84, a lifelong resident of Camden, Ohio, passed away peacefully Thursday August 11, 2011 at his residence. He was born in Camden, Ohio on July 25, 1927 to Ray and Grace (Shockey) O'Dell. Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Forest O'Dell of Dayton, Ohio. Don was a 1943 graduate of Camden High School and was a W.W. II U.S. Navy veteran. He married Donna Buell on March 6, 1950 and went to work in 1946 for his father at the Standard Oil (SOHIO) South Side Service Station, on South Main in Camden. On May 1, 1961 he and his father then moved the business to the southeast corner of State Routes 127 and 725, also in Camden. Don continued working at the service station until his retirement in May 2011. Don was often referred to as the "Old Man in the White Hat". That was from the days when he was owner of the SOHIO franchise, which later became BP Oil. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Masons - Camden Order in the 1960's where he reached the level of 32nd degree Mason. He bowled in the tri state area and bowled numerous 300 games in the 1950's and 60's. Don attended Miami University and had a 4.0 GPA in Business. Don loved animals, many of you may remember his dog, Girl, at the station in the 1980's. He loved antiques, and attended many auctions throughout Preble Co. He loved "eating from the garden" and continuously had fruits, vegetables, and wild mushrooms given to him and his wife from thoughtful and caring friends. Until his recent decline he was blessed with a great memory. Don O'Dell was a staple of the Camden Community and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and customers, all who so dearly loved him.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 61 years: Donna L. (Buell) O'Dell; two sons & daughters-in-law: David L. & Marsha (Craft) O'Dell of Camden, OH and Michael R & Judi (Watts) O'Dell of Hamilton, Ohio; daughter & son-in-law: Teri (O'Dell) & Larry Ivie of Queen Creek, AZ: grandchildren: Angi Harris Simpson & Anthony Ventura; (Bailey, Chase, Lauren, and Alexa) of Camden, OH. Brandon & Deana (Crabtree) Harris, (Kadan, and Kolton) of Urbana, OH, Trinity Harris & Jason Taylor, (Sierra Williams, and Maddie Taylor) of Liberty, IN, Kim Sizemore, Robyn Jacobs, and Denise Watts and several great grandchildren; nephew, Gary R. O'Dell of Eaton, OH and niece, Chris Cartwright of Dayton, OH.
Funeral service will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, August 15, 2011 at First Southern Baptist Church 35 North Liberty Street Camden, Ohio with Rev. Greg Jackson officiating. He will be laid to rest at Fairmount Cemetery in Camden next to his parents with full military honors provided by the Preble County Honor Guard. Family will receive friends on Sunday, August 14, 2011 at the First Southern Baptist Church from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and one hour prior to the service on Monday.
Memorial Contributions may be made to First Southern Baptist Church 35 North Liberty Street Camden, Ohio or Camden/Somers Township Fire/EMS P.O. Box 154 Camden, OH 45311 Arrangements entrusted to Nein - Barnes Funeral Home, 249 North Main Street, Camden, OH. Online condolences may be sent to the family guestbook at www.barnesfuneralhome.com