Melvin L. O’Dell, age 87 of Webb City, Mo., passed away at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo. on October 18, 2018, after a 10-day illness. He was born on February 28, 1931, to Nelson O’Dell and Eva (Hansford) O’Dell, and was raised in the Diamond/Joplin area.

He was with Shade Tree Service for 10 years and then worked 30 years for Empire District Electric Company, until his retirement in 1990. He was a Korean War Veteran and a member of First Baptist Church of Webb City.

On May 26, 1950, he married Imogene Pim and together they raised two children, Lonnie O’Dell (Deborah) and Connie Brewer (Joe) all of Joplin. They have four grandchildren, Jenna Ensz (Jeremy), Jessica Schmidt (Jeff), Ali Simonete (Andrews) and Ian O’Dell. Melvin loved fishing and spending time with his six great-granddaughters who adored him, Lily, Chloe, Emmy, Annabelle, Elsa and Isabella. He is survived by a sister, Leona Tate (Tom) and sister-in-law, Effie Pim, all of Joplin and numerous nieces and nephews. Melvin was preceded in death by his wife on November 10, 2010, three sisters, five brothers-in-law, two sisters-in law, and many dear friends.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 22, 2018 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Reverend Randy Pim will officiate. Burial will follow at Fidelity Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 9:00 a.m. Monday morning. Pallbearers will be Ian O’Dell, Andrews Simonete, Lonnie O’Dell, Joe Brewer, Jeff Schmidt, Dan Smith and Charlie Bridges.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite charity in Melvin’s name.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.