Norman Frederick Odneal

Norman Frederick Odneal, 86, passed away at his home in Prairie Home, MO on February 20, 2014. Norman was born near Prairie Home on January 12, 1928, to William L. and Lowell F. Kirschman Odneal. He graduated from Prairie Home High School in 1945, and attended Central Methodist College in Fayette, MO, and the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. He joined the United States Army in 1946, serving one year in Japan. Upon leaving the Army he returned home and worked on the family poultry farm. He left the poultry business in 1964 and started his career in banking in Boonville. He was elected Cooper County Collector in 1978 where he served until his retirement in March, 1993. Norman was a lifelong member of the Prairie Home United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Boonville Rotary Club, the Prairie Home Lions Club, a city council member for Prairie Home, a Rotary Club team member in the annual Cooper County Relay for Life, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society. Prior to being diagnosed with cancer, he had donated a total of 156 pints of blood. In July, 2013, Norman was a member of the Honor Flight that visited the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. Norman enjoyed playing baseball and softball in his younger years (until around age 50). He also enjoyed woodworking, in his own shop and alongside his brother, Lewis, in his shop. He was also a regular at the "morning coffee table" at the restaurant in Prairie Home. He also enjoyed spending time alongside his wife in the kitchen - washing dishes. Norman married Esther Louise Baker on June 29, 1952 at the United Methodist Church in Prairie Home, MO, who survives at the home. He is also survived by one son, Paul Odneal (Theresa) of Liberty, MO, and three daughters, Kathy Maxey (Robert) of Columbia, Cindy Lenger of Prairie Home, and Amy Small (Kevin) of Prairie Home; nine grandchildren: Kara Bumgarner (Ross), Kevan Odneal, Kelly Odneal, Leah Maxey, Emily Lenger, Ashley Lenger, Austin Small, Ryan Small, and Deanna Small; and three great-grandchildren: Briley Bumgarner, Madysin Small, and Avin Pettit; and one additional great-grandson which is due in May, 2014. Also surviving are two brothers, Lewis Odneal of Prairie Home, and Robert Birdsong of Sacramento, CA, and one sister, Erla Lacy of Boonville. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Kelly Odneal, and one sister, Joanne Hart. Norman was a lifelong resident of Prairie Home and was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, and he will truly be missed. Funeral services were on Monday, February 24, 2014 at Prairie Home United Methodist Church. Burial followed in Harris Cemetery, Prairie Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Prairie Home United Methodist Church, American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society.