Rex E. Odle

Rex E. Odle, 85, of Danville passed away August 16, 2017at Hawthorn Inn in Danville. He was born May 3, 1932 at home in Ridgeville, IN to Lee and Melba Odle. They preceded him in death along with his wife of 58 years, Jayne (Davisson) Odle. He is survived by his daughters: Kathy (Roger) Reeves of Carmel, IN, Debbie Meador of Carbondale, IL, Connie (Dave) Park of Lenzburg, IL, and Beth (Mike) Vade Bon Coeur. Other survivors include his seven grandchildren: Patrick and Sean Reeves, Will and Audrey Meador, Georgia Park, and Amanda and Ryan Vade Bon Coeur; his sister Marilyn (Wendell) Cooprider, his brother Morris (Barbara) Odle, and his sister-in-law Marilyn Davisson. Rex grew up on a farm and attended a small high school. His favorite childhood memory centers around the success of his high school basketball team; watching the movie "Hoosiers" never failed to bring tears to his eyes. He graduated from Purdue University where he had been a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and Army ROTC. He served in the Army from 1954-1957. He made sure that his children and grandchildren were aware of the fictitious Battle of Waikiki Beach that occurred during the time he was stationed in Hawaii. Rex and Jayne met following a basketball game at Ball State and married later the same year. Rex worked 18 years for Lebanon/Agrico Chemical Company. This likely was the root of his passion for maintaining his lawn. He sold Moore Farm Buildings for a short while before entering the field of Real Estate. While in real estate he became one of the partners in the United Brokers Company. He was very earnest about his claim that he never sold a single house; instead, he helped his customers to find the home which suited their needs. He finished his working career in real estate appraising where he started his own businesses, First Appraisals and Premier Appraisals. During the 47 years he lived in Danville, Rex was an active member of St. James United Methodist Church serving on numerous committees. He had hoped to live long enough to be able to see the completion of the current renovation project at St. James. For a time, Rex was active in Scottish Rite. He enjoyed volunteering with Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, and Faith in Action. Rex took great pride and joy in his daughters, son-in-laws, and grandchildren. Although Jayne had been the ring leader, Rex was always by her side at every concert and athletic event that they attended. Events which pitted Purdue against the Illini presented special issues given that his four daughters all were Illinois graduates. However, there was no wavering when it came to supporting the Danville Vikings. He was a strong advocate for working hard; he was happiest when actively involved in solving a problem. Although he left the family farm, he always felt a special connection to others with farm backgrounds. A celebration of Rex's life will take place on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at St. James United Methodist Church 504 N. Vermilion Danville, IL 61832 at 1:00 PM with Pastor Justin Snider officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 18, 2017 from 4-8 PM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Danville, IL 61834. Entombment will take place at Sunset's Swan Court Chapel Mausoleum. Memorials can be made in Rex's memory to St. James United Methodist Church. Please join Rex's family in sharing photos, videos and memories on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Visitation Aug 18, 2017 Friday, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Service Aug 19, 2017 Saturday, 1:00 PM Saint James United Methodist Church 504 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61832 Final Resting Place Sunset Memorial Park 3901 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834

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