Max Wayne O'Dell's Obituary
Age 94, of Jackson, passed away at his home October 27, 2016. He is survived by the love of his life, wife Theresa M. (Arasim) O'Dell, nieces, Patty (Del) Wilson, Sue (Jack) Mindeman, both of Lakeland Florida, sister-in-law, Dorothy Obuchowski of Jackson, many great and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Carl and Floy (Humphrey) O'Dell, sister Mary Ann Sherwood, brother-in-law Merv Sherwood. He was born February 15, 1922 in Otsego, Michigan, grew up in Otsego, Ionia and the Kalamazoo area and attended schools there. Max worked for Western Electric before enlisting in the US Army during World War II, serving in France and Germany setting up communication networks. After discharge from the service, he returned to work at Western Electric, then joined IBM as a field engineer working out of the Kalamazoo Office, then the Jackson Office, Bangkok, Thailand, Dallas, TX, Oklahoma City, OK, Indianapolis, IN, then back to Dallas where he retired in 1982. During his career he received the IBM Means Service Award in Denver in 1973, then again in Dallas in 1976. In 1980 Max was recipient of the IBM President's Award in 1980 in Las Colinas, TX. After retirement he and Theresa moved back to Michigan where they resided until the time of his death. He was known for his kindness to others, happy disposition and quick wit. No one enjoyed a joke more than Max. He was a member of the American Legion Rose City Post #324, the Bishop Zaleski Council #6687 Knights of Columbus, the IBM Quarter Century Club and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, where a Memorial Mass will be held Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 11 am with Father Tim MacDonald officiating. Visitation one hour prior to service time. Memorial honors will be given by the Knights of Columbus and the Jackson County American Legion Ritual Team as part of the service. Contributions in his memory are directed to Fatima Church. At Max's request, cremation has taken place.
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