John Terrell O'Dell

Wilson- Celebration of Life services for John Terrell O'Dell, 71, of Lone Grove, are scheduled for 10:00 AM Friday, July 2, 2021 at Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel of Wilson with Artie Farve officiating. Interment will follow at Hewitt Cemetery in Wilson.

John was born on Nov. 3, 1949 at Ardmore to the late Mr. Dale Gene O'Dell and Mrs. Mary Marie O'Dell (née Hughes). He departed this life on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at his home in Lone Grove.

John was raised in Wilson near Dillard. He graduated from Wilson High School in 1968 and then attended college at the University of Oklahoma where he studied psychology and served in the Naval ROTC program. John gained employment at Uniroyal in 1971 and worked in nearly every department throughout his 33 years of employment, retiring from what became Michelin in 2004.

John was a master gardener and grew the best tomatoes, greens and okra, often experimenting with new varieties and growing conditions. He operated a produce stand at the farmer’s market several years. John was a curious person, and could discuss most any topic from particle physics to Eastern mysticism. Most recently he was employed by the Noble Foundation of Ardmore where he worked within the Forage Research Division.

John married Marie Worn (née Maleport) on Nov. 24, 1994 at Antlers. They made their home in Lone Grove and attended Christ Community Church of Ardmore. John’s faith pervaded every aspect of his life. He had a deep knowledge of the Bible and shared his insights. He was a deeply humble and ethical person. His word was his bond and he conducted all his affairs with integrity. Most of all he was kind and took care of his extended family and volunteered in the community. He was instrumental in the origination of the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and was “Volunteer of the Year". He was also given the same award from Cross Timbers Hospice for his dedication. He volunteered for Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and gained much satisfaction working with family reunification.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Marie O'Dell and wife Laurie (Pope) O'Dell. Survivors include his loving wife of 27 years, Marie of the home; son, Dr. David O'Dell and wife Sijy of Silver Spring, Maryland and son, Kyle O'Dell of Lone Grove; stepchildren, Misty Gordon and husband Kevin of Durant and Gregory Worn and daughter-in-love Sharyna Dowell of Kingston; grandchildren, Pearl O'Dell, Madison Gordon and Audrey Gordon; sister, Cynthia Powers and husband David of Ardmore; brothers, Jim O'Dell and Sam O'Dell, both of Burneyville; numerous nieces, nephews and other family.


Casket Bearers are John Lee Davis, Michael Cawley, Larry Fuller, Grant Huggins, Tracy Marks and Claude Smartt.

Family visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm Thursday evening at Alexander Gray Funeral Home of Wilson.

In lieu of flowers donations are to be made in memory of John to the CASA of Southern Oklahoma, 20 B Street, SW, Ste 401, Ardmore, OK 73401