Wesley Roy Odean, 86, of Elmhurst, Illinois, passed away on March 24, 2025.
Wes was born on February 10, 1939, in Chicago to Evelyn H. Odean and William Odean. He went to Pierce Elementary School and Lane Tech High School. Wes and his best friend, John O’Rourke, then joined the Marine Corp in 1958. Once a Marine, always a Marine! He worked two main jobs during his career: Supreme Mobile Catering and AFLAC Insurance Sales. He loved these jobs because he always felt he was helping people to have a better life.
Wes is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barb; brother William Odean; sons Benjamin (Oana) and Russell (Amy Ellison) Odean; and daughter Cynthia (Keith) Gosting. He was also the proud father of his late son, Douglas Odean. Wes’ love for his children was matched only by the joy he found in his grandchildren: Ryan (Kameko) Ramirez, Courtney Tuma, and Jonas, Emmett, Lila, Nathaniel & Thea Odean. Great grandchildren Alyssa and Cash Ramirez also call him Grandpa.
Wes was a family man and loved working with kids. He was active in the YMCA Indian Guides program and was also known as Coach Odean to many boys and girls in the Elmhurst Baseball League. He belonged to several bowling leagues and even bowled a 299 game to the utter surprise and shock of his teammates. Fishing was an activity he often shared with his father-in-law. Wes was an active member of Epiphany Lutheran Church since the early 1980s. The Chicago Cubs was the team he loved and hated. When they were winning, they could do no wrong. When they were losing, he was the ultimate arm-chair manager. He was a lifelong Cubs fan.
Throughout his life, Wes was a friend to countless people, always willing to provide advice, lend an ear, or share a sarcastic joke. Wes had an incredible gift of gab, and was more than happy to hold court with friends and perfect strangers alike.
A Celebration Funeral Service will be held at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 314 W. Vallette Street, Elmhurst, Illinois, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. The visitation will be from 9 – 11 a.m., directly followed by a funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. After the service, join us in Fellowship Hall to celebrate Wes’ life. Snacks and light hors d’oeuvres will be available. Children are welcome. Family and friends are then to meet at 1:30 p.m. at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst for a formal procession to Glen Oak Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.
Arrangements in care of Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL. For info, (630) 834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.