Charles Odell

Charles “Chuck” Odell, 93, of Taneytown, MD died on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster, MD, surrounded by his loving family.  Born January 6, 1928 in Salem, MA, he was the son of the late Harry and Edna (Faulkner) Odell.  He was the devoted husband to Alice (Williamson) Odell, his wife of 40 years.

Chuck was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving during World War II.  After the war, he attended Western Washington State College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree, studying history and government.  He subsequently spent 12 years teaching in elementary and secondary schools in Washington State, and was named Teacher of the Year for the 1963-1964 school year.  In 1962, he was named Washington State Citizen of the Year. In 1965, Chuck became Administrative Assistant to United States Congressman, Thomas H. Pelley, a position he held for 6 years.  From 1971-1980, he served as the Congressional Liaison Officer at NOAA, Department of Commerce.  In 1980, Chuck launched his own business, Odell and Associates, which arranged funding for super computers from the House of Representatives.  He retired in 1995.  He enjoyed swimming, collecting stamps and coins, and studying history.

Surviving, in addition to his beloved wife Alice, are his son, Charles D. Odell, and his daughter, Kelly Odell and husband Andrew Dee, all of Hansville, WA; grandchildren, Ryann Odell, Charles Kyle Odell and wife Bailey, Daryn Odell, and Riley Odell; 6 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He is also fondly remembered by his many friends and colleagues.  Chuck was predeceased by a son, David Odell; and all 6 of his siblings, Mildred Hook, Marjorie Wetherbee-Karanikolas, Harry “Bud” Odell, James Odell, and infant siblings, Edna and Dwight Odell.

Interment of Chuck's urn with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 28th, at Arlington National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Chuck’s name to the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, to which Chuck was a member for 80 years, joining when he was only 13 years old.  Donations may be made at www.suvcw.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home in Taneytown.