Merlin Tilmon O'Dell's Obituary
Merlin Tilmon O'Dell, 95, of Winchester, VA, went to be with the Lord on December 1, 2023. He was born on June 14, 1928, in Decatur, Illinois, to the late Lucille Syfert O'Dell and Tilmon B. O'Dell.
Merlin enjoyed working at the Decatur Signal Depot, troubleshooting communications equipment for the U.S. Army. In 1961, he was transferred to Winchester, Virginia, where he assumed a federal job for the Department of Army and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Merlin cherished spending time with his loved ones. He enjoyed traveling to places near and far. Music brought him great joy throughout his life. He loved singing and playing songs and hymns on the piano, and always carried a song in his heart.
He will be dearly missed by his wife of 75 years, Betty Lou O’Dell, and their children: Bonnie Hudson (Donald) of Winchester VA, Sheilah Kotulski (Joseph) of Albuquerque NM, and John O'Dell (Kimberly) of Thomson GA. Merlin was a loving grandfather to Matthew Hudson (Ashley), Jillian Kotulski, Erin Lockhart (Bryan), and Joshua Kotulski. He also had the joy of being Great Grandpa to Ethan and Owen Hudson, Emory, Asher, Maxwell, and Harlow Lockhart.
Merlin is survived by his sister, Patsy Hamilton of Peoria IL.
Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, sister Madonna O'Dell, and his brother Thomas O'Dell Sr.
A visitation will be held at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 12th at 1:00 pm followed by a celebration of Merlin's life and legacy at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery.
In honor of Merlin's memory, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
In Heaven, Merlin will forever sing songs of praise and worship to his Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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