William H. "Bill" Oden-Change of Services' Obituary
William Harold Oden, age 78, of North Ridgeville where he resided
with his lovely wife, Celeste for 29 years, passed away on Saturday, March 7,
2020, at the St. John Medical Center in Westlake, Ohio. William was born in
Clanton, Alabama on May 17,1941 to the proud parents of John H. Oden and
Sylvia Singletery Oden. William was the second (but the first son) of
nine children born to this union. He was a precocious child, having developed
proclivities toward the street life, giving mom and dad early training about how
to be stern parents, but of course, everyone survived.
Then came school days at Kinsman Elementary School, middle school at
Rawlings Junior High, located in what was known as Garden Valley, and later
attending East Technical High School (fondly known as East Tech), where he
developed a love for reading. Bored with high school and along with the
encouragement of his father, Will joined the U. S. Army, was stationed in
Germany, served two years, and earned an honorable discharge at the end of his
service. In 1963, and after returning home from Germany, Will landed a
job at Ford Motor Company in Brookpark, Ohio, starting off as a laborer,
working in what Ford refers to as “the Foundry.” Later, Will became a clerk for
the Department of Material and Handling in Engine Plant #2, and then Supervisor
of the Department, where he worked until his retirement in 2003, after 40 years
of service.
In his free time, William enjoyed reading, especially mysteries, working
crossword puzzles, and cooking, which he did for his wife, Celeste, nearly every
day. The summer months would find William tending to his garden, doing yard
work, or lounging by his pool with his children and grandchildren. When anyone
speaks about William, you hear the same reverence. Will was fair, respected,
kind, reliable, a jack-of-all-trades, intelligent, avid reader, caring, family man, and
a little stubborn.
But then, on a beautiful, sunny, Saturday afternoon, God called William’s
name. “Come,” He said, and “I’ll give you rest,” and Will graciously took His
hand. William H. Oden leaves to mourn his lovely and faithful wife, Celeste
McDaniel Oden, who remained by his side for 29 years., along with their
children, Darryl (Anita) Oden; Kathy Woods Oden (George Woods, deceased);
Marc (Anita) Oden, all from a previous marriage to Madelyn Smith (deceased);
stepdaughters, Rachel Cyphert Mercer (Ron); Sherry Cyphert, and Melissa Cyphert;
15 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; siblings,
Robin Oden (Freda); Bruce Oden, Phyllis Oden Thomas, and Sylvia Thompson
(John Wayne). Will was preceded in death by his parents, John and Sylvia
Singletery Oden, and four siblings, Judy Ruth Oden Bradford, Johnny H. Oden,
Jerry Oden, and Phillip M. Oden, along with a host of other relatives and friends.
Will, your strength, tenacity, virility, stubbornness, and stability will
help us think of you often and love you forever. RIP
A private memorial service for the immediate family only will be held, but will live streamed 11:30 AM Thursday January 14, 2021 on Bogner Family Funeral Home Facebook page. Rev. Jeric Thomas, Bill's nephew will officiate. A committal service will military honors will be 2:00 PM Thursday January 14, 2021 at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?