Darrell O'Dell, 58, passed away on Saturday, March 24th, 2018 at his home in Springfield MO after a 6 month battle with cancer. Born on January 11th, 1960 in Ft. Dodge IA to Vinzel O'Dell and Joanna Sue Williams, Darrell grew up in Springfield MO attending Doling Elementary, Reed Jr High, and Hillcrest High School.

To say Darrell was unique character is an absolute understatement. As family and friends would attest, he stayed in a constant state of semi-happiness/semi-crankiness and each day we would get a little more of one than the other. He was expert at giving people a hard time and he would rarely give you the last word. Now that he is gone, we get the last word so hear are few things to share at his expense:

• He hated his ears. He kept his hair long to cover them up; he would get so mad if you said anything about his ears.
• His middle initial stands for Francis and hated his middle name. It was a name given to him in honor of one of his father's dear friends. But don't dare call him Francis…those would be fighting words.
• He loved music, except for country music…he hated country music. The only time he liked country music was if the singer was female and really cute. Then, suddenly, he became country music's biggest fan.
• Darrell taught himself how to play guitar by re-stringing a right-handed guitar so he could play it left-handed. Many a roommate had to suffer through that experience. Really…how many times can one play the opening chords to Smoke on the Water ?
• He took fashion ques from no one; typically seen wearing soft top ball cap and a sports t-shirt that was clearly two sizes too big. The front of the shirt was either StL Cardinals, KC Chiefs, or something NASCAR. Or, it had a saying on it that would be too inappropriate to share in this obituary.
• He thought of himself as ladies' man and used smooth lines like "Hey sweetie! What's goin on?" or "Hey cutie, don't leave mad."
• He was a simple businessman; investing heavily in Budweiser.
• Darrell had a quick wit and a sharp tongue…he could say things to people that had such an edge to it. And he would follow that up with his goofy laugh and for some reason that laugh made it okay. And it worked for him because people loved him.

Everyone loved Darrell!

Darrell was preceded in death by both parents and leaves behind two beautiful daughters, Deborah O'Dell Walter and her husband Nate and Julie O'Dell Griffin and her husband James; sister, Debbie Bowler and her husband Terry; brother, Alan Carter; brother, Bill O'Dell and his wife Lisa; sister, Deverly "Tootie" Rouse and her husband Joe; and sister, Cheryl O'Dell Fleming and her husband Matt. Darrell also leaves behind nephews, Robbie Bowler (Jenn), Aaron Bowler (Christina), Forest Carter (Kaylie), Trenton O'Dell, Landon O'Dell, and Cooper Fleming; and nieces, Sammie Rouse and Claire Fleming, and 5 great nieces, Trista Bowler, Kennedy Bowler, Emma Bowler, Cora Bowler, and Milo Carter.

Darrell also leaves behind a remarkable and loving group friends who would do absolutely anything within their power to have their friend back.

Darrell was two time hospice patient, graduating from hospice care 3 years ago. His family and friends would like to give a special heart-felt thank you to his hospice nurse Carolyn, who provided care for him in both instances. They developed a special connection and it showed through her compassion and care.

A celebration of Darrell's life will be held on Saturday April 14 ^th from 2-4:30 PM at the outdoor pavilion at Shiloh Cemetery, located across from the entrance to Buena Vista Ranch. Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services.