Drexel Booth Oden

Drexel Booth Oden Drexel Booth Oden, of Tatum died on January 29, 2010 after a lengthy illness. He was born on January 7, 1926 to Lelon and Vera Booth Oden in Beckville, Texas. He graduated from high school at Tatum where he met and married Helen Ruth York, on December 18, 1943, Soon after graduation, he entered the Army and served in Europe until the end of the war. He returned to Tatum, started a family and became the best father and husband any family could have ever had. Daddy was active in his community, serving as a member of the School Board and a member of the local Masonic Lodge, as a 32 degree Mason. He operated several businesses in his life and had a long career with the Texas and Pacific and Missouri and Pacific railroads. He was as steady a friend as anyone could have and he never failed to quietly live up to the principles he was taught by his teachers, by his church and especially by his devoted mother. He worked his whole life to care for and protect his family. Without fanfare or show, the standards he set for himself and the example he provided for us will not easily be matched. Daddy was preceded in death by his mother, Vera; his father, Lelon; and by his step-father, Alexander Williams, who raised him from the time he was a small boy. He also lost his brother, Haskell Oden; and sister, LaVerne Roberts in recent years as well as his nephews, Lelon and Leonard Oden. He is survived by the love of his life, Helen Oden. He met our mother when they were both just kids. Last month they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. They shared an unshakeable commitment to each other and to our family and were examples to us all for the love they freely gave. Daddy is also survived by his children, Robbie Oden of Tatum, Ken Oden of Austin, Brenda Oden Weaver of Austin, and Paul Oden of Tatum; as well as grandchildren, Holly, Clayton, Christian, Kevin, Hannah and Erica; great grandchildren, Brooke and Ashley; and also his sister-in-law, Louise Oden; brother-in-law, Syl Roberts and nephew, Dennis Roberts. He is also survived by extended family members, Karen Oden, Larry Weaver, and Travis McAfee. The family wishes to express appreciation to the families of Hoyt and Evelyn Kelly and Ralph and Jean Williams for the many years of friendship we have had. It was always such a source of satisfaction and happiness to Daddy. Also, we would like to acknowledge the assistance of all of the staff at Heritage Nursing Center of Longview and Margaret's House in Daddy's final days. If a life is measured by the love you inspire from others, our father had the best life any person could have ever had. He will be missed and always remembered. Your Loving Family Funeral services are set for 2 PM Monday, February 1, 2010 at the First Christian Church in Tatum. Burial will follow in Tatum Cemetery under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview.

Drexel Booth Oden

January 29, 2010 - January 29, 2010