Oden Elton Blackman Jr.

Oden Blackman Jr. (Odie) was born in Dexter, MO on December 1, 1944 to Rosella and Oden Blackman. He was the youngest of 7 children. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers Dennis (Joan), Richard, and Del (Joan), sister Melba (Mike) Biggalow, grandson Joshua, partner Mattie Jo Dugan, and 3 wives: Brenda, Julia, and Nancy.

Odie is survived by two sisters: Margret (Bob) Shelly, and Joyce Walters, sister-in-law Joan (Del), former wife Gloria, 10 children: (Gloria) Scott, Jodie, Tammy, and Richard; Mellisa Cousins; (Brenda) Sherry, and Terry Atkins; (Julia) Lisann Hallmon, Teresa (James) Naufel, and Oden III, as well as 7 grand children: (Scott) Scottie, and Jennifer (Zach) Batson; (Lisann) Ashley, and Ryan; (Oden III) Ethan, Naveah, and Brooklyn; a grand-cat (Teresa) Snowflake, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Oden was referred to as Jr. by his family and as Odie by his friends and acquaintances. Odie volunteered for the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a supply clerk and was stationed in Indian Town Gap, PA. After the army, Odie worked hard and became a tool and die maker/repairer by trade. He loved his work even though he spent many years working in very hot shops. Odie lived many places through out his life, but he lived mostly in the areas of Flint, MI, North MS, and TN. 

When Odie was not working in his younger years, he enjoyed playing cards, camping, fishing, hunting, swimming, softball, bowling, and golfing. While working for Parker Hannifin, he organized and captained the bowling, golfing, and softball teams. Odie loved his family, and he loved spending time with any of them any time doing anything. He enjoyed hunting trips with his father, brother Del, and sister Joyce. He spent many afternoons on the golf course with Joyce and her husband Jim, Del, and son-in-law James Naufel. 

Odie’s idea of a good vacation was the chance to be at a camp ground or on the water fishing or swimming. He spent many summer days with his wife and children doing just that. In Odie’s later years, he did less camping/hunting/fishing and spent more time on the golf course or playing cards. His favorite card games were Poker, Spades, and Euchre. He enjoyed spending time passing his love for the outdoors, sports, and card games on to his children.

In January of 2021, Odie was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was treated, went into remission in February of 2021, and was still in remission upon his death in September 2022. In February 2022, Odie’s last wife Nancy passed away and Odie moved in with his daughter and son-in-law Teresa and Jim Naufel in Clarksville, TN. Odie enjoyed the time with his daughter and son-in-law by watching TV while the cat snuggled on his lap insisting to be brushed, playing golf, dining out, and playing cards. Odie sadly suffered a brain bleed resulting in a stroke on September 15, 2022 and passed away at 11:33pm at Tristar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, TN. 

It was Odie’s wish that he be cremated. A memorial will be held in honor of him and celebration of his life will be at Eastgate Baptist Church in Flint, MI on September 24, 2022 at 11 am in the church fellowship hall. Pastor Jerome Taylor will preside over the celebration of life. It will be an informal celebration upon Odie’s request with an open floor to exchange memories and stories of him. A small meal will be provided by daughter Teresa and son-in-law Jim in the fellowship hall during the exchange of memories.

A second memorial service will be held in Iuka, MS on October 9, 2022 at 3 pm at JP Coleman State Park in the meeting building.

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