John W O'Dell

John Wayne O'Dell, 56 of Dumas passed away on Monday, January 30, 2017. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 10:30 am Saturday, February 4, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church with Tom Wylie, pastor of the church, officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Morrison Funeral Directors of Dumas. John Wayne O'Dell was born on November 18, 1960 in Richmond, WV to Nancy (Martin) Bragg. He was the second son out of four brothers. Shortly after John's 1979 graduation from Granbriar West High School, he joined the United States Air Force. After having served his country for six years, he was honorably discharged and began a new phase in his life. John then worked as an electrical supervisor for over 30 years, where he earned the respect of his co-workers, to the extent that even after his cancer diagnosis, they were still calling for his expert opinion and advice. John made many lifelong friends all over the country while traveling with his job and will be truly missed. Another area in which John excelled was his memory. He could tell you details of multiple projects that he was involved in different areas across the country. As a perfectionist John became the 'go to' guy on many of his jobs. This helped him get his dream job with Burns and McDonnell in 2015. He was very happy and grateful for this because being a good provider for his family was a main priority for him. John had many hobbies that he enjoyed. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and had a passion for photography. His love of music led to an impressive collection of over 100,000 songs of many different types. John loved to entertain family and friends especially during the holidays. The 4th of July was one of his favorites. He would put on elaborate fireworks displays while barbequing enough food to feed an army. John met Kisika Cariker, who he considered 'the love of his life' in 2011 while working a job at the Valero Refinery. He told many of his friends that Kisika would be his wife after their first meeting. He made that statement come true on October 20, 2016. John has found incredible joy and pride in watching his 6 children grow and work towards their hopes and dreams. They range in ages from 3 to adulthood. His love for them was evident whenever he spoke of them. John is preceded in death by grandson: Mason Lane Wright; and grandparents: Harry and Cora Martin. John is survived by his wife Kisika of the home; children: Jessica Neff and husband Frank of Frankfort, WV, Deborah Wright and husband Doug of Shawnee, OK, John Bradley 'JB' O'Dell of Frankford, WV, Sanonie Cariker, Grace Cariker, and Elijah Cariker all of the home; brothers: Roger O'Dell and wife Robin, David O'Dell all of Lewisburg, WV and Thomas Bragg and wife Chrystal of Winston Salem, NC; mother: Nancy Bragg of Lewisburg, WV; and one grandchild: Lanie Mae; and numerous extended family members. The family suggests with gratitude memorials be made to John O'Dell Memorial Fund, c/o Happy State Bank, PO Box 1117, Dumas, TX 79029.