COUNTY’S CASULATY LIST GROWS;
Pfc. Bauer, Lt. McElroy Killed
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FLASH!
Shortly before our press hour Wednesday, a telegram from the War Department, to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Odell of Brooks, announced the death of their son, Cpl. Roy E. Odell, killed in action in Belgium, January 7, 1945.
THE TOLL
With the death of Cpl. Odell, the number of Adams County boys to give their lives in World War II, was raised to 29. In addition to the 29 killed, nine are missing in action and 12 are prisoners of war.
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Source: Adams County Free Press, Corning, Iowa, Thursday, January 25, 1945, Page 1
Obituaries
The following tribute to Cpl Roy E. Odell, killed in action in Belgium, was sent to us by our correspondent at Brooks, where Roy’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Odell reside:
CPL. ROY EUGENE ODELL
The grim reality, tragedy and awfulness of war was deeply impressed upon our community on last Wednesday afternoon when the news that Cpl. Roy E. Odell had been “killed in action in Belgium on January 7, 1945” was received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur G. Odell. How fitting that the last message we hear of Roy was “action” for he was truly a young many of activity; always ready, eager and willing to be doing something constructive, both at home and in his community. He was affiliated with, and active in the Youth Fellowship Club of our church.
As we read his last letter to his parents, written on the very day he was killed, we could not control the tears that gathered, for it was exuberant with cheerfulness and humor and filled with dreams and hopes of a happy and peaceful future at home again.
Roy Eugene Odell was born on the home farm one mile west of Brooks on August 24, 1923, and died January 7, 1945 at the age of 21 years, 4 months and 13 days. He spent his entire life at home until answering the call for service to his country on March 18, 1943, when he joined the Anti-Aircraft Division. Most of his training was received at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, after which he was on Maneuvers in Tennessee in command of a Half-Track. In April 1944 he went overseas.
He completed his education in the home school after which he lived at home, very capably assisting his father with the efficient and extensive farming in which they were engaged. When ever there was a neighbor or friend in need of help with their work, Roy very cheerfully and willingly gave them a lift.
Words are very inadequate to express how the pleasant, happy smile, ever radiating good cheer with which Roy always greeted everyone will be missed by all.
The immediate family left to grieve Roy’s untimely, but brave and unselfish departure are his devoted and courageous parents, Arthur G. and Grace E. Odell; four brothers, Paul at home, Lowell of Nodaway, Pvt. Harold Odell of Fort Sill, Oklahoma, T/Sgt. Harry Odell serving with the Armed Forces in Italy, who has been overseas almost three years; six sisters, Mrs. Glade Havens of Brooks, Mrs. Harold Parkhurst, Miss Merle Lee Odell, Mrs. Kermit Kasner, all of Seattle, Wash., Mrs. Ed Fidler of Clarinda, and Mrs. Franklin Kidwell of Cedar Rapids, and twelve nieces and nephews, among them Lt. Lowell Odell, Jr., with our Air Forces in Europe. There are also many other relatives and a host of friends.
We can pay no greater tribute to our young friend, Roy, than to quote the words of our Saviour who said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a many lay down his life for his friends.” Roy’s young life was indeed given for his loved ones, his friends, and his country.
Source: Adams County Free Press, Corning, Iowa, Thursday, February 01, 1945, Page 6
Soldier Dead Returned
Home For Final Rites
The American Graves Registration Distribution Center at Kansas City released information that the remains of Cpl. Roy E. Odell, soldier of World War II, is being returned to Adams county for burial.
Cpl. Odell is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur G. Odell of Brooks, and was killed in action in Belgium, January 7, 1945. His body arrived in New York last week, aboard the U. S. Army transport Carroll Liberty. The body will be returned here for final burial.
Source: Adams County Free Press, Corning, Iowa, Thursday, November 25, 1948, Page 1
Cpl. Roy Eugene Odell is buried in Brooks Cemetery, Corning, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
