Vernon L. O'Dell, 81, of Estelline, passed away Monday, June 10, 2019, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Friday, June 14, 2019 at the United Church of Christ, in Estelline. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday at Geise Funeral Home in Estelline.

Vernon Lloyd O'Dell was born on April 13, 1938, in Madison County, IL, the son of Raymond and Beulah (Pikes) O'Dell. He grew up in Granite City, IL, where he attended school. He began his career at Ms. Jenny's  Gas and Oil in Venice, IL. Vernon married the love of his life, Frances King, on June 23, 1958, at the Assembly of God Church, in North Venice, IL. After many years at Ms. Jenny's Oil and Gas, Vernon went to work for American Steel until he retired in 1980, due to health concerns. Vernon and Frances moved to South Dakota in 1980, spending the last 11 years in Estelline. Vernon spent 10 years working for the Estelline School, driving his granddaughter and other children to Sioux Falls.

Vernon loved watching game shows and was known for telling bad jokes! He greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had a newfound love of Facebook to keep up with his family and reading his granddaughter's posts about Westley.

Vernon is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Frances O'Dell, of Estelline; five children, Robert O'Dell, of Brookings, SD, Vernon O'Dell II, of Estelline, Brian (fiancé, Jackie) of Missouri, Karen (Michael) Filkins, of Nebraska and Julie (Donald) Saathoff, of Estelline; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Paul), Michelle (Colt), Melanie (David), Rachel (special friend, Caleb), Jessica (special friend, Jordan), Ashley (special friend, Austin) and Jason; 9 great grandchildren; two sisters, Carol (Don) Hofland, of Clear Lake, SD and Sharon Yonker, of Watertown, SD; many nieces and nephews and two very special sisters-in-law, Karen Mares and Donna Housend both of Granite City, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and four sisters.