Townsend O'Dell

Townsend "Tony" O'Dell, 88, Clarks Summit, died Sunday at Gino J. Merli Veterans Center. His wife of 61 years, the former Jane Star Bostedo, died July 14, 2009.

Born in Mill City on Feb. 14, 1926, son of the late Rayburn and Anna (Stage) O'Dell, he graduated from Falls-Overfield High School, and honorably served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific theater.

He was known by many in the Clarks Summit area, having worked as a mail carrier for the Postal Service for more than 40 years. He was also a police officer with the Clarks Summit Police Department.

A well-known citizen and friend to many, he was a member of Waverly Lodge 301 Free and Accepted Masons, Keystone Consistory, Shrine, Irem Temple, Clarks Summit Fire Company No. 1 Inc. and Abington Memorial VFW Post 7069i��. He also served as a secretary on the Clarks Summit/South Abington Sewer Authority. Active in politics, he organized the Republican Party in the Abingtons and had served as Republican committeeman, a Clarks Summit councilman, and on the board of Clarks Green Cemetery.

Tony was a friend to many. He was an icon of the community and always willing to lend a helping hand to others. A hardworking gentleman, he will be sadly missed. The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff and caregivers at Gino Merli Veterans Center.

Surviving are a devoted son, Jeffrey W. and wife, Carolyn, Jermyn; three grandsons, Maj. Jeffrey O'Dell and wife, Jessica, Carthage, N.Y.; Patrick O'Dell and wife, Amanda, Clarks Summit; and Allen Sutton, Jermyn; three granddaughters, Ashlee Wrightnour, Factoryville; Alecia Battenberg and husband, Devin, Jermyn; and Amber Minick and husband, Robert, Fleetville; a sister, Ruth Ann Hug, Lake Winola; three sisters-in-law, Ceil Ignatovich and husband, Joseph, Lake Winola; Betty Mae Brittain and husband, Roy, Dalton; and Donna Mitchell and husband, Kenny, Chinchilla; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Tony was also preceded in death by five brothers, Rayburn, Robert, Kenneth, Charles O'Dell and Edward Huffsmith; sister-in-law, Margaret Balko and husband, Michael.

The funeral will be Thursday at 11 a.m. from Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit, with services by the Rev. Barbara J. Snyder, East Benton United Methodist Church. Interment, Clarks Green Cemetery.

The family will receive relatives and friends Wednesday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Services by Abington Memorial VFW Post 7069, 6:30; Waverly Lodge 301, 7; and Clarks Summit Fire Company, 7:15.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Clarks Summit Fire Company, 321 Bedford St., Clarks Summit, PA 18411 or Waverly Lodge 301 Free and Accepted Masons, 118 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green, PA 18411.