WARD BENTON ODELL was born to William Bowden and Alma Adelia (Leffler) Odell on April 28, 1927 in May, Oklahoma. He went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at the age of 81 years.

Ward attended country school until sixth grade and graduated from Laverne High School, Laverne, Oklahoma in 1945.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and went to San Diego for boot camp. He and his brother were sent home due to a farm deferment.

On November 20, 1950, Ward and Joan Hutt were united in marriage at Sterling, Colorado. Ward worked in the oil fields then construction before he became a commercial cattle feeder in Valley, Nebraska. In 1975, he and Joan moved to Burt County to farm and then moved to Tekamah in 1980, where he worked for the city until retiring.

Ward’s first love was Joan and his four daughters. He enjoyed telling people about his grandkids and great grandkids. He also was very proud of having four of the best sons-in-law ever! Ward loved to square dance, garden and go camping. (It was well known everyone was invited for breakfast if they were camping.)

Ward was a member of the Craig United Methodist Church.

Ward was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, four brothers and grandson, Adam Snow.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Joan; four daughters and sons-in-law: Lora and Charlie Krajicek of Omaha, Nebraska, Debbie and Dick Wild of Fremont, Nebraska, Judy and Kenny Argintean of Valley, Nebraska, Dee and Kim Snow of Tekamah; twelve grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; sisters: Edith Sair of Silver Springs, Maryland, Elnora Alvis, Wichita, Kansas; many nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, May 17, 2008, 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Tekamah.

BURIAL: Tekamah Cemetery

VISITATION: Friday, May 16, 2008, 1 - 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6 - 8 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah. Visitation will also be held Saturday at the church one hour prior to the service.

MEMORIALS: Craig United Methodist Church, Donor's Choice or Family

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com