Born at home in Zalma, Missouri the son of Joseph Henry & Sadie (Mouser) Phillips. Odell attended Myers grade school and graduated from Zalma High School in 1950. He worked for Emerson Electric and then was drafted into the Army in 1953, serving two (2) years. Odell and the late Pat Head were united marriage on June 13, 1953. After returning from service he and Pat lived in St. Louis where Odell worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. On July 15, 1977 Odell and Leila Smith Ward joined their families together in marriage. Odell retired from SWB Telephone Co. in 1986 after 31 years od service. He also built the cable companies from Marble Hill, Lesterville, Centerville,and Annapolis, along with Dale Tidwell and Maurice Graham. He also built a cable company in Fredericktown. In 1989 Odell and Leila built the Ozark Quick Shop at the junction of 72 & 00 Highways at the "Y".

Odell was preceded in death by his parents Joseph & Sadie Phillips, sister Helen Phillips, brother Urell Phillips and wife Pat Phillips.
Odell is survived by his wife of 32 years Leila Phillips, children Larry Phillips & Sheri, Gary Phillips, Tom Ward & Terri, Ricky Phillips & Amy and Brenda Jarrett. Nine (9) grandchildren and Four (4) great grandchildren. Sisters-in-laws & brother-in-laws Betty & John Lewis and Lisa & Forest "Bud" Smith.
Odell adored his wife, children and grandchildren. he loved to travel, fish & hunt. He was a commercial rated pilot and belonged to the Southeast Navion Society and a Member of E.A.A. for 40 years.

VISITATION; 6:00 TO 8:00 P.M. SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 FOLLIS & SONS FUNERAL HOME, FREDERICKTOWN.

FUNERAL SERVICES : 1:00 P.M. MONDAY AUGUST 17, 2009 FOLLIS & SONS CHAPEL.
OFFICIATING: PASTOR W.D. SNYDER
INTERMENT ODDFELLOWS CEMETERY FREDERICKTOWN
PALLBEARERS:LARRY PHILIPS, GARY PHILLIPS, TOM WARD, RICKY PHILLIPS, JOSH JARRETT & JEREMY JARRETT