Mr. Darrell O'Dell, 82, of Rochester was surrounded by his loving family when he  passed away at 2:33 PM on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at his home.

On January 30, 1939, Donald Darrell was born in Mishawaka to Donald "Butch" and Erma Mae Fletcher O'Dell. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister Patty and two brothers Gary and Wade. In 1957, Darrell graduated from Argos High School.  A stellar athlete he played guard on the Dragon's basketball team, baseball and still holds the school record for the 400-yard dash.

Patriotism beckoned with Darrell answering the call serving our country with the United States Army.   On August 1, 1959,  Darrell and Rose Ann Snyder were married in Argos. From their union came six children.  She passed away on January 2, 1999.

In the early years Darrell worked climbing towers for Bontrager's Construction.  Returning from the Army he began his career as a professional chauffer for Dr. Dean K. Stinson MD.  During those years he was trained and served as Doc's phlebotomist during the days house calls were made.  In 1976 Darrell transitioned to the United Parcel Service and was known for his reliable, prompt delivery of parcels. Darrell was revered by his fellow colleagues and was always there to assist the rookies on the job. After more than two decades, he delivered his last package and hung up this k haki brown uniform on Labor Day weekend in 2001.

As a local legend, for nearly a decade, it was said he could be seen in November and December attired in a red velvet suit with a fluffy white beard taking requests from "Good" little girls and boys.  He allowed them to be seated on his lap, while Mrs. Claus distributed candy canes.  Santa was observed visiting area schools, libraries, special events, homes and once at a wedding.  On the evening of December 24th, he loaded the sled, took to the skies behind eight beautiful reindeer, making many special deliveries to the delight of many children.

On Ju ly 16, 1999, Darrell and Susan Carol Meadows Zartman were married in the Superior Courtroom of Judge Rosemary Burke.  They shared 22 years together and enjoyed wintering in Ft. Myers, Florida for 19 years . While in Florida, Darrell enjoyed the camaraderie . with the new friendships he garnered especially those buddies at the men's breakfasts.

With an appetite for travel and a passion for Amtrack trains , Darrell and Susan were accompanied by brother Wade and wife Liz on many adventures out west.  Favorite destinations were Tombstone, Arizona and Glacier National Park.  There were trips to Vancouver and Victoria.  One very special vacation was a train trip to Portland to visit Darrell's special friend Larry Castleman.

To relax, Darrell enjoyed reading historical fiction and western novels. His favorite authors were Louis L'Amour and Bill O'Reilly.  He also took great satisfaction with mowing and manicuring lawns with great care and precision. Darrell will always be remembered for his charisma , kindness and ice blue eyes that sparkled. Once introduced to a new person, he always regarded all he met as a friend.

Darrell had the highest esteem for his  7 doctors/specialists in Rochester and Indianapolis.  Beyond his favorites were Dr. Julius Sitjar MD, Dr. Douglas Pitts MD, Dr. Moazzam W. Habib MD and Dr. Tom Klootwyck.  He and Susan are forever grateful for their wisdom,  professionalism and wonderful care.

Left to cherish Darrell's memory are his wife, Susan;  two daughters: Debbie Friar and husband Tom of Plymouth, Stephany Edwards and husband Elvis of  Plymouth; four sons:  Bill O'Dell and wife Kathy of  Grinnell, Iowa, Don O'Dell and wife Kim of Argos, John O' Dell and wife  of Jessica of Warsaw, Jeff O'Dell and wife Bobbie of Plymouth;  13  grandchildren:  Kristin, Michael, Matthew,  Ryan, Paige, Peyton, Dustin, Amberly, Brandon, Jonathon, Hannah, Staci, Jordan; 9 great-grandchildren: Kaiden , Wes, Sawyer, Rylan, Rori , Scarlett, Grayson, Olivia, Lukas;  sister, Patty Rowe and husband Gene of Argos; two brothers: Gary O' Dell and wife Sheila of Mishawaka, Wade O'Dell and wife Liz of Argos; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Darrell in death are his parents and his first wife.

A celebration of the life of Mr. Darrell O'Dell will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 31, 2021 in The Cross Church, 100 W. 3 rd St., Rochester. Friends may visit with the family from 9-11 AM in the church.  Interment will be in the Richland Center Cemetery. Graveside military honors will be conveyed by the Argos, James Lowell Corey American Legion Post # 68 Veteran ' s Honor Guard and the United States Army Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to Matthew's Market, 100 W. 3 rd St., Rochester, IN 46975 or Kindred Hospice, 1476 W. 18 th St., Rochester, IN 46975 .

To view more photos of Darrell's life, please click the link below:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/35KGZCXM7JBNW4NH