Allen Elmer O'Dell

Allen O'Dell, 81, of Malvern, passed away at the Hospice with Heart House in Glenwood. A Celebration of Life with a Time of Gathering will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2014 at the Malvern Fire Department.

Memorials: Malvern Fire Department

Allen "Digger" O'Dell, son of Delbert Wilbur and Ethel Marie (Reeves) O'Dell, was born on February 6, 1933 in Bedford, Iowa. In 1945, the family moved to Malvern, Iowa. Allen graduated from the Malvern High School with the class of 1951. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Bordeaux, France for four years. Following his honorable discharge, Allen came back to Malvern where he worked at the Gamble Store, his father's hardware store. Allen worked various jobs before becoming a mail carrier for the United States Post Office, a position he held for 30 years until his retirement.
Allen and Carolyn Jean Houser, daughter of Boe and Hazel (Clark) Houser, were united in marriage on April 8, 1952. Their marriage was blessed with four daughters, twins Kathy and Karen, Sheri, and Terri.
Allen was a member of the Silver Urn Masonic Lodge and a long time member of the Malvern Volunteer Fire Department where he was honored with a 50-year plaque in 2012. Allen enjoyed woodworking, miniature trains, gardening and outside work. He tinkered on cars and was very proud of his prize possession, a Massey Harris "33" tractor. Allen enjoyed coffee time with the guys and had a great sense of humor. His family and grandchildren were his pride and joy.
Allen passed away on April 3, 2014 at Hospice with Heart in Glenwood at the age of 81 years, 1 month, and 28 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Delbert and Ethel; grandson Nick Bowen; and granddaughter Brittni Magwire.
Allen is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Jean O'Dell of Malvern; daughters, Kathy Ryan and husband Tracy, Karen O'Dell and husband Ron Fanto, and Sheri Bowen and husband Doug, all of Malvern, and Terri Magwire and husband Mark of Lincoln, NE; 7 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and a host of friends.