John Valentine O'Dell (89) of Louisville

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Published on April 2 2021 2:53 pm

John Valentine O’Dell, 89, of Louisville passed away at 9:15 PM Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at his home.

John was born on October 19, 1931, in Louisville the son of the late Caleb E. and Cora (Kenley) O’Dell. John served proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He married Mabel A. “JoAnn” Goodman on September 21, 1956, at the Louisville Methodist Church and they shared 64 years of marriage. John had worked at the Louisville Post Office as a postal clerk for 27 ½ years before retiring in April of 1993.

John was a member of the Louisville American Legion Post #914 for many years. For several years he enjoyed going with his wife to Orchard Hill Cemetery to decorate with American flags on Memorial Day. He loved his children and grandchildren. John was an avid fan of the North Clay Cardinals and enjoyed going to all the games. He loved his dogs and his momma cat. He loved spending a lot of time enjoying outdoor activities.

John is survived by his wife, JoAnn O’Dell and his children Kim Haynes (Michael) of Longview, Texas, Gayla McGuire (Joel) of Longview, Texas, and Julie Buhrmann (John) of Louisville. Eight grandchildren, Elizabeth Todd (Kenny) of Sullivan, MO, Christina Harbour (Jason) of Sullivan, MO, Michael Pearce (Nicole) of Wadley, Alabama, Meredith Duffee (Brian) of Longview, TX , Melissa Montgomery (Brandon) of Longview, TX, Megan York (David) of Sullivan, MO, Maria Buhrmann of Sullivan, MO, and Andrea Hildebrand (Andy) of Louisville, IL, and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services honoring the life of John will be held at 12:00 PM Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at the McGriff and Triplett Funeral Home in Louisville, with Kelly Carruthers and Kenny Todd officiating. Burial to follow at Orchard Hill Cemetery with military rites by the Louisville American Legion. Visitation will be held on Tuesday morning at the McGriff & Triplett Funeral Home in Louisville where friends may call from 11 AM to 12 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Louisville Baptist Church. Due to health concerns related to COVID-19, it is recommended that you please wear a mask and practice social distancing. To sign the guestbook online please visit by clicking here