Jackie Lee “Jack” O’Dell, 75, of Orrick walked into heaven on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024.   

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dale Eugene O’Dell. 

Jack was born March 16, 1948, in Excelsior Springs to Billy Lee and Dorothy Jane (Sheets) O’Dell.   

He was united in marriage to Kathryn Kay Yaw of Camden on March 24, 1967.  She resides at the family home, where they raised their children and enjoyed many family gatherings and holidays.   

Surviving family include his daughter, Amie (Rodney) Brock of Liberty; son, Bryan (Aerin) O’Dell of Orrick; five grandchildren, Shelby (Jared) Smithey, Madison (Alex) Weideman, Audrey O’Dell, Jackson Brock and Reese O’Dell; great-granddaughter, Jade Smithey; and several nieces and nephews. 

Jack lived his entire life in Orrick and was a dedicated community member, serving on the Orrick school board, Ray County Ambulance board, Southpoint Cemetery board, and Missouri Levee and Drainage District.  Jack was a volunteer of the Orrick Fire Department 1971-1992, acting as chief from 1983 to 1992.   

He was a member of the Orrick Country Cruisers, Ada Lodge No. 444 and the ARARAT Shrine. 

Jack was a lifelong farmer in the Orrick river bottoms.  He was known to be one of the first farmers to plant corn every year on his dad’s birthday in March.  Jack could often be found in his truck or Gator checking the fields with his dogs, Merle, J.D. and Jake riding along. 

Jack had a love of motor sports that included a brief stint in racing, restoring classics, tractor pulling, collecting muscle cars, attending NASCAR races and traveling to car shows with friends.  Many stories can be told of the miles traveled and the friendships made during those events.   

Jack, known to many of his friends as “Wild Man,” had a big personality and fantastic sense of humor, and never met a stranger. 

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Orrick Fire Department or Southpoint Cemetery.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085. 

Visitation will be held 5-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.  A Masonic service will be held during the visitation, starting at 5.   

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the United Methodist Church in Orrick.  Jack requested a fish fry, which will follow the memorial services.  It will be held at the home of Jared and Shelby Smithey (6709 Rogers Road, Camden) and will only be considered successful if as many people as possible come to have a Busch Light or Corona in his memory.   

Inurnment will be held at a later date in Southpoint Cemetery, Orrick.   

Please share your memories of Jack with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.