Carlton James 'CJ' O'Dea

Carlton James 'CJ' O'Dea

Jan. 17, 1938 - Nov. 6, 2011

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Carlton James "CJ" O'Dea passed away Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011, at his rural McCook home. He was 73 years old.

CJ was born on Jan. 17, 1938, in Red Willow County, Nebraska to James William and Louise M. (Nothnagel) O'Dea. He graduated from Red Willow High School in 1955 as Valedictorian.

On Nov. 7, 1957, he was united in marriage to Marilynn Meyers in Oberlin, Kansas. To this union, four children were born, Joyce, Andy, Beth and Steve. He was later united in marriage to Andrea Eileen Zeller on July 29, 1969, at Kearney, and to this union two more children, Bill and John, were born to make his family complete.

CJ was a rancher and stockman all of his life. He also worked at the local sale barns for over 50 years. He loved the out-of-doors and working and training his cattle and horses. He was an avid supporter of the 4-H program and his grandchildren's activities.

Preceding him in death were his parents, James and Louise O'Dea; one grandson, Nicholas O'Dea; and brother-in-law, Max Nelms.

Survivors include his wife, Andrea O'Dea of McCook; four sons, Andrew O'Dea and wife, Lori, of McCook, Steve O'Dea and wife, Dawn, of McCook, Bill O'Dea and wife, Jennifer, of Deer Park, Washington and John O'Dea and wife, Michelle, of McCook; two daughters, Joyce and husband, Darrell Potthoff, of Johnson Lake and Beth O'Dea and fiancé, John Brown, of McCook; one brother, Densel O'Dea and wife, Barbara, of McCook; two sisters, Donna Nelms of Bartley and Betty and husband, Dick Phillips, of San Antonio, Texas; 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name to the 4-H Program.

Memorial services will be Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, 3 p.m. at the Indianola Christian Church with Jerry Beckenhauer and Mike Searcey officiating. A gathering of friends and family for refreshments and reminiscing will immediately follow the service at the Indianola Community Building.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements. Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences.