JAMES O'DELL

DEXTER -- James M. O'Dell, 88, of Dexter, died Monday, Feb. 26, 1996, at Vintage Villa Nursing Home.

He was born May 23, 1907, near Dexter, son of William Louis and Effie Francis Hays O'Dell. He and Letha P. Martin were married July 3, 1926, at Dexter.

A lifelong resident of Dexter, O'Dell was a retired farmer and member of Sweet Prospect General Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Charles and James O'Dell of Dexter; five daughters, Elizabeth Riggs of Scott City, Gloria Robinson of Dexter, Freda Warren of Clarkton, Norma Fortner of Bloomfield, Delsie Hesselbin of St. Peters; a sister, Rena Miller of Pasadena, Calif.; 19 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister.

Friends may call at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Revs. Marion Gipson and Dean Williams officiating. Burial will be in Dexter Cemetery.