John L. O'Dell

John Lee Bert O'Dell of Jerome, Idaho passed away on April 4, 2024. John was born in Twin Falls, Idaho to Oliver Lee Bert "Jack" O'Dell and Anna Reta O'Dell on June 21, 1941.

John grew up in Idaho, then in 1958 at the age of 17, John joined the U.S. Army, travelling through Spain and Italy and was then stationed in Germany. John was honorably discharged in 1961.

After moving back to Twin Falls, John met and married Shirley Howells, together they welcomed Danny Lee in 1963 and Becky Ann in 1965. John and his family moved to Southern California in 1967, however, John missed his relatives in Idaho, so with his family in tow, John moved back to Idaho in 1974. There he owned a towing business and gas station, however, during the1980 gas wars, John decided to close shop and go back to California to go to school where he received his welding certification in 1981 and joined the Local 433 Ironworkers Union where he worked until he retired in 2001.

John and Shirley moved to Rupert, Idaho in 2004 where they had a small farm with cows, goats, horses and chickens. Sadly, Shirley passed away in 2009.

In 2011, John was lucky enough to meet up with an old girlfriend, Juanita Rarick, and they spent the next 10 years dating and then married on December 22, 2021.

John loved fishing, camping, four wheeling, playing cards, spending time with family and friends and he especially loved his furry friends.

John was preceded in death by his mother and father; his wife, Shirley O'Dell; son, Danny O'Dell; sister, Jacqueline Miller; sister, June Sarmiento; and son-in-law, Jerrel Jones.

John is survived by his loving wife, Juanita; his daughter, Becky Jones, his daughter-in-law, Carrie O'Dell; his sisters, Peggy Koch and Iris Riach; 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and countless friends and family.

At John's request, there will be no formal service.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on John’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.