John Francis O’Dell died January 9th 2026 at Banner Baywood Heart Hospital at the age of 73. He was born March 28th 1952 to Clarence and Nancy ( Buzan ) O’Dell in Taylorville, IL. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 6 and attended South Mountain high school until deciding to enlist at the age of 17 into the U.S. Army to protect his country during the Vietnam War. While in the U.S. Army he was part of the 173rd Airborne Mobile Brigade Command Team nicknamed the Sky Soldiers, serving from April 1969 to December 1971. Due to his valiant efforts, he was awarded two bronze stars. Upon returning from Vietnam, he entered the Local Operating Engineers in Phoenix, Arizona interning to be a Land Surveyor and Heavy Equipment Operator. He transferred to Local 370 where he eventually retired. December 26th 1984, he married his loving wife Candy ( Bumgardner ) O’Dell and later welcomed their only child, Kasbi O’Dell.
In 1989, the family moved to Redding, California and opened Johnny Rad’s, their skateboard and t-shirt shop which they operated until 1992. They then moved back to Arizona in the same year to care for their aging and ailing family.
John enjoyed fishing, ATVing, and RV traveling. His love of NASCAR is notorious amongst Phoenix Raceway fans. His mantra in life was “Find the humor in everything” and he showed that by bringing joy to those around him.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Clarence and Nancy O’Dell, his brother, Robert O’Dell. He is survived by his sister, Missy ( Terry ) Harris, along with his wife of 41 years, Candy O’Dell, his daughter, Kasbi O’Dell, and his two granddaughters, Kendal and Harleigh, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and friends who are like family.
Service to be held at Christ The King Catholic Church, Mesa, Arizona on January 20, 2026 at 11:00 am, Small viewing will occur at the church at 10:30. Internment will be at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on January 20, 2026 at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to American Legion Apache post 27 in Apache Junction, Arizona.
Christ the King Catholic Church
1551 E. Dana
Mesa, AZ 85204
National Memorial Cemetery
2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85024
American Legion Apache Post 27
1018 S. Meridian
Apache Junction, AZ 85120
May John Rest in peace in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. We will Miss your presence here on earth but will always remember your dry humor and quick wit.
So sorry to see you pass my friend. You lived your life full and with strength and humor! You are going to be missed by many and loved by even more. Keep a spot for a few more South High Rebels and watch over your family and us till we join you.
The Good Lord has work for you and needs the help of a good man! God Bless you and your family!
Armindo