Leslie M. O'Dell

Leslie M. O'Dell, 99, of Marshall, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2023 surrounded by his loving family at home.  
He was born on May 31, 1924 to Ora and Alice (Fishell) O’Dell in Eckford Twp., Michigan. Leslie enlisted into the United States Army on May 1, 1945 and was honorably discharged on December 5, 1946 attaining the rank of TEC 4. He received the Army of Occupation Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. 
Leslie worked as a Cryogenic Coordinator/Welder for Ronan & Kunzel, Inc. in Marshall, Michigan for 35 years, retiring in 1992.
On July 29, 1961 he married Juanita M. Shears Wilson in Battle Creek, Michigan, sadly she passed away on August 14, 2008. He was a member of the Fredonia Grange, the B.E. Henry Building Association and a 15-year volunteer helping run the Rice Creek Baseball Park. Leslie will be remembered as a hard-working gentleman. After he would come home from work, he would take care of his yard and his animals. Leslie always had a great yard and gardens. Leslie enjoyed completing crossroad puzzles, watching old westerns and Jeopardy. He found comfort in watching the Hummingbird's at the feeders he had on each window. Above all else, he loved having his family come over to visit.
Leslie is survived by his son, Thomas Allan O'Dell of Tekonsha, Michigan and his stepdaughter, Debra L. Wilson of Crescent, Florida. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great- grandchildren and great- great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Juanita O’Dell, his parents, his sons, Leslie M. O'Dell, Jr. and Bruce Edward O'Dell, his stepsons, Michael A. Wilson, and George B. Wilson, Jr., his siblings Louis (Bill), Arthur (Art), James, Floyd, Edward, Rowland, Rena Snyder, Goldie Martin, Velma (Toot) Signor, Darlene Peters and Grace Butters.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 29, 2023, from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall, Michigan 49068 with a graveside service to follow at    
12:30 pm at Rice Creek Cemetery, Lee Township, Michigan.
Memorials are suggested to the charity of one's choice.
Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.