Obituary of David Washington Odell II, Crawford County, Illinois Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Copyright 2000 Jim Admire Obituary from the Oblong Oracle  February 25, 1915 The funeral was the largest attended of any ever held in the city. Something like 1,500 people attending the obsequies. The remains were intered in the family plot in Oblong cemetery. The  floral offerings were likewise the profuse of any ever shown at a public funeral, the approximate cost amounting to $300. David W. Odell was born at Oblong, (Crawford County) Ill., June 21, 1867: died Feb. 16, 1915, aged 47 years, 7 months and 25 days. He united in marriage to Dora A. Allison April 5, 1890. She died March 24, 1897. To this union were born three chidren viz. Shadrach F., Ida Mae and Dennis E., all surviving. he was united in marriage to Hattie L. Carroll April 3, 1898. To this union were born three children viz: Carl, born lifeless, Mildred who died Feb. 9, 1910, and Ira. The wife and mother died Oct. 19, 1902. He was united in marriage to Josie M. Larrabee Nov. 24, 1904. To this union were born four children: Sarah Berniece, Hiram R., Josphine May and David Wilson, all surviving. He also leaves an aged father, one brother D. J., and four sisters, Mrs. Amelia Brubaker, of St. Louis, Mrs. Ida Porter of Jonesboro, Ark., Mrs. Lizzie Doty, and Mrs. Lillie Dalton, of Oblong. The deceased has  been actively engaged in the business activities, the social transformations, and the religious development of Oblong for a quarter of a century, where every mark of his strength of character leaves an imprint for good that cannot soon be effaced by the storms of forgetfulness or the attacks of passing time. The imprint of this useful life has been so indelibly written as to make the memory of his earthly habitation one lasting niche in the archives of the city's central station of diversified life. His place will be hard to fill. As councelor, Mr. Odell was many times sought and whatever the condition he was ready to do his best. if it  was financial aid needed he assisted if he could; if it was legal advice he gave the best he knew! if it was sympathy and encouragement if flowed freely, many such tears being shed by him in the private councel room of his institution. Not the least of his admirable traits was his love of home and family. Though married three times and with three sets of children there was no home where tranquility and the spirit of love existed more completely that in the home of the deceased, his predominating character for the good permeating the home. He was converted  and united with the Methodist Episcopal church at Seed's Chapel in June 1887. When he came to Oblong to live he moved his membership to this church and has since been a substantial and valuable member. In his spiritual life he was modest and unassuming, always willing that some one else should take the lead and get the honor but when the time came Bro. Odell never failed to do his full share and in some instances, we are sure, more than his share. His life was the incarntation of the principles taught by the great Teacher and his death a beautiful and fitting climax to a life so beautifully lived out before his fellow men. The beautiful words of comfort and consolation spoken to his sorrowing family reveal to us the depth of his spirituality. These words will always linger in their memory as echoes of the border land. Servant of God well done! Rest from thy loved employ: The battle fought, the war won. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb Archivist with proof of this consent. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jim Admire