Alonzo Clarence Odem, JR
May 25, 1920 - September 30, 2003
Obituary
Alonzo Clarence ODEM, JR
1920-2003
Alonzo Clarence Odem, JR, age 83, formerly of Seattle died September 30, 2003 at a care facility in Longview, WA. He was born May 25th, 1920 in Port Arthur, TX to Alonzo C. Odem, SR and Mary Florence Spearman Odem. He and his wife Edythe Irene Odem were married for 55 years until her death on July 13, 1998. Alonzo served in the U.S. Navy from 1938 to 1945. While serving his country in the South Pacific during World War II, Alonzo survived the sinking of two of the six US Navy vessels he was stationed on. He was employed for the Boeing Co for 20 years and then worked for Manpower Training Act MDTA before becoming the business manager for Renton Vocational Technical Institute where he retired in 1988. He was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Seattle, WA serving as Sunday school teacher, deacon and layperson. He also volunteered at the Union Gospel Mission in downtown Seattle. Alonzo loved golf, woodworking and his family. But his greatest passion was for his Savior Jesus Christ. His faith in God was profound and this strong faith was passed on to all his sons, his daughter and his grandchildren. He loved to talk about God and anyone who ever met him his heard of his great love for Him. His hearts desire was for everyone to share his faith and know Jesus as he did. He is survived by his three sons, Robert Nowlin Odem of Redmond, WA, Alonzo Clarence Odem III of Kalama, WA, Bruce Allan Odem of Kalama, WA and daughter, Mary Elizabeth Waldock of Morris Plains, NJ, nine grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren also survive him. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 6, 2003 at 10:30 AM at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA. Please sign the online guestbook at www.bonneywatson.com.
I know the family will gather strength from each other at this time of loss. Your father’s love and happy memories will live with each of you forever.
I am so sorry for your loss.
At least you know where he is and where he is spending eternity. May God bless you and comfort you. Starr Grant
I was sorry to hear of Uncle A.C.’s passing.I look forward to seeing him again when we all get to heaven. I know you will miss him, don’t forget to remember the old times you had. I am sorry I can’t be there with you on Monday. I would be except the army called and I am deployed to Alaska.
Love Jearit
We willl miss the smiles & stories that only this old sailor could tell! Until we meet again in the Homeport called Paradise! To those left behind, rejoice in the treasure of love that he left for all to share. Paul & Barb Hayes, NORPAC-DESA
We would like to send our deepest sympathy to all of you and your families.We will miss your Father deeply.Your Parents were the best neighbors anyone could have,and our family was blessed to have them in our lives.Thank you
I remember Al fondly from his days with us at MDTA. My condolences to his family. I will be attending the memorial. Marie Grennan
Carol and Bob, Chris and Jason,—– We were so sorry to read about your Dad, Bob. Good Byes are so very hard but how wonderful to know that he belonged to the Lord and is with Him now!!!!! We are so sorry that we will not be at his Memorial Service. When I think of your Dad, Bob, I think of my cousin, Molly Payne and her dog. She enjoyed her times with your parents and their dogs so much. Hopefully we will see you soon! Much love, “Aunt” Pat and “Uncle” Nobby
We remember OC as a beloved brother in the Lord. He was a very gracious man and he’ll be missed.
Dear Carol and Bob,
Our thoughts and prayers are and have been with you today. We were sorry we couldn’t be there for the service. We love you both and we are just grateful that we share having our hope in the Lord. His mercies are new every morning and great is His faithfulness. We pray that His mercy and grace will uphold you. Much love, Cindy and John Clapper
My Uncle Jess Pierce was married to his sister, Roxie for about 10 years from1937-1947 inPort Arthur, TX. Can someone in the family there in Washington State reply to me. I am trying to find out about the grandparents, listed on his father’s death certificate in 1973 in Texas; Lonzo Odem and Roxie Stockmon.
Thank you.
Leslie Pierce Royce
lfroyce42@gmail.com