ODELL JOHN HOWARD

Odell John Howard, 80, of Idaho Falls, ID passed away July 11, 2012 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

He was born April 24, 1932 in Malad, ID, to William Oliver Howard and Mildred Jones Howard. He grew up in Malad and graduated from Malad High School. Odell served in the US Air Force for 23 years and spent 20 years in civil service for the US Navy.

On November 25, 1953, he married Rotha Jean Mercer in Blackwell, OK. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple in 1969. Odell was the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Director for the US Navy and was Idaho State Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He was a High Priest and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in numerous positions. He loved serving in the US Air Force. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and being with his family.

Odell is survived by his wife, Rotha of Idaho Falls, ID; daughters: Pamela Marie (Gary) Grant of Richland, WA; Darla Jean (Terry) Miller of Idaho Falls, ID; Tandy Lea (David) Bales of Clifton Park, NY; son, William Odell (Susan) Howard of Tooele, UT; brothers, Brent (Bonnie) Howard of Malad, ID; Mark (Debbie) Howard of Cedar Hill, UT; sister, Nelda (Robert) Black of San Diego, CA; 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Vicki Lea Howard.

Funeral services were held July 16, 2012 at the Idaho Falls LDS Brentwood Ward. Burial was in the Taylor Cemetery with military rites performed by the Bonneville County Veterans’ memorial Team and the Idaho Honor Guard.