Gary Wade Odom

Gary W. Odom., 83, of Galatia, passed away at home on January 20, 2023.

Gary was born on May 22, 1939, one of the 5 children born to Fitz Odom and Eva Sweet of rural Crab Orchard. While in high school he met the love of his life, Chrystine Teal of Dykersburg. The high school sweethearts were married on August 22, 1957. After moving to Dykersburg they began raising their two children.

Gary and Chrys worked hard to provide for their family. Chrys was a teacher's aide while earning her teaching degree and later secured a teaching position. Gary worked for Absher Motors and later Fabick until he took a position at Sahara Coal Co. He remained there for 25 years. After the mine shutdown he drove a semi for a few years. When missing being home with Chrys became too hard, he left trucking and took a job in building maintenance at Crab Orchard Community School Corp, retiring after 12 years.

Gary enjoyed watching college basketball, and boxing. When he was younger, he liked fishing. He and Chrys had a large garden every year. They enjoyed attending auctions and rummage sales. His favorite place to go was Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and they made many trips there over the years. They also liked to go on a cruise and vacation with their grandkids. Gary had a lifelong passion for watching professional wrestling, even attending several live events in Evansville with son, Greg.

He loved and was so proud of his grandchildren and was always ready to help them anytime he could. He also loved his 2 little great grandchildren. They were "busy little ones" who he couldn't keep up with, but always brought a smile to his face. Spending time with them was a joy to him.

Gary never met a stranger. He enjoyed talking with people everywhere he went. He made sure his kids knew about Jesus, attending church and Bible School. Later, he did all he could to instill the same in his grandkids.

Though the family will miss him, they take comfort in knowing he is once again with his beloved Chrystine, something he longed for since her death in 2020.

Gary is survived by his son, Gregory (Karen) Odom of Culver, IN; grandsons, Andrew of Culver, Gregory II (Leslie) of Texico, IL, and Lucas Emmons of Marion, IL; granddaughters, Casey (Tim) Steele of Galatia, and Destiny Emmons of Harrisburg, IL; and twin great grandchildren, Lillian and Gregory Odom III of Texico.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Chrystine, daughter, Lea Michelle Emmons, brothers, Ted and Stan Odom, and sisters, Erma Arnold and Virginia Gooch.

A time to gather with the family and share memories will be held at the Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, Marion, on January, 2023 from 9 am to 11 am with Rev. Keith Owens and Rev. Lloyd Whittaker to officiate. Burial will follow at Coal Bank Springs Cemetery in Dykersburg.

Memorials may be given in Gary's memory to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.