Calvin Odell, longtime Pullman resident, passed away suddenly on April 25, 2017 at his Pullman home. He was 91. Calvin was born September 12, 1925 in Spokane, Washington to Monroe and Anna Bennett Odell. He grew up in Steptoe, Washington and attended school there. Calvin played on the high school basketball team. After graduation he went to work for John Ellis in Colfax at Foley Concrete. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and after boot camp training in San Diego was stationed in Spokane. During this time he worked as a heavy equipment operator and on re-fueling trucks. Following his honorable discharge from the military Calvin moved to Pullman, Washington and began his long career into car sales. He worked at Steen Buick when he met Lela Thompson, a legal secretary in Pullman, and the couple married May 5, 1956. They made their home in Pullman and raised their family here. Calvin went on to work at Hofstrand Motors selling Ramblers, then later for Brown & Holter, Chipman & Brown and finally for Chipman-Taylor Chevrolet across a distinguished career that spanned over 35 years. He retired in 1990 at age 65. Calvin loved hunting, fishing, golf, trapshooting and cougar basketball. He was an accomplished trap-shooter and loved buying and selling guns. His wife, Lela, passed away in 1991 after 35 years of marriage. Calvin liked to keep tabs on his family, especially his grandchildren, and often attended their functions with pride. He had a longtime companion in Jean Pederson of Pullman and the pair shared over 22 years together. They loved to travel to Hawaii, go on cruises, drive to the Oregon Coast and spend time with friends. Calvin will be missed by Jean and her family and by his own children; Carol (Jack) Horlacher of Clarkston and Steve (Kat) Odell of Pullman; his two grandchildren, Calvin and Kellee Odell both of Pullman; and his sister, Willene (Tom) Merriman of Colorado Springs, CO. In addition to his wife, Lela, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne, and by his sister, Darlene Forester. A private family graveside service will be held in the Pullman Cemetery. On-line guest book is at www.kimballfh.com
Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman is caring for the family.