Curtis Anthony Oden's Obituary
Curtis ""Curt"" Anthony Oden, age 62 of Exline, Iowa passed away Friday, May 8, 2015 at his home.
Curt was born in Centerville, Iowa on January 5, 1953, the son of Junior Britt and Jane (DeFrancisco) Oden. At an early age, Curt and his family moved to New Jersey, eventually settling near Woodbury, Gloucester County, New Jersey. Curt graduated from West Deptford Township High School in Gloucester County in June of 1971. Upon his graduation, he moved to Centerville, Iowa and attended Indian Hills Community College.
Following college, Curt worked at Farm and Home Supply in Centerville and also drove straight trucks and semis, hauling cattle for his uncle. He eventually became employed with Kum & Go in Centerville, working his way up to a management position with the company. Curt later worked in the call center at Alliant Energy. Never wanting to slow down, Curt then became employed with Hy-Vee Grocery in Centerville, assisting in pharmaceutical deliveries. Most recently, he worked at the post office in Exline.
Curt was united in marriage to Jolene Rae Coates at the First United Methodist Church in Centerville on October 2, 1993. She preceded him in death on December 10, 2003. He later married Denise Brinkman at the First United Methodist Church on May 6, 2006. Curt and Denise recently celebrated nine years of marriage.
Curt had a love for writing. He spent a great deal of time and energy informing Appanoose County residents about news in the Exline community as a writer with the Daily Iowegian. Curt also wrote articles for Our Iowa magazine.
Holding numerous positions in many different clubs, Curt was the true definition of an active community member. He was the past secretary/treasurer of the Centerville Lion's Club. Curt was also a past master of the Masonic Jackson Lodge, # 42, as well as a past patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Centerville Chapter #239. Curt also served as the area project chairman for the grand chapter of the OES for the year 2012.
Always fighting for the well being and progression of the Exline Community, he served as mayor of Exline for a brief period.
Curt had many other passions, including genealogy, traveling, flowers, gardening, chocolate desserts, and of course, he was always a big fan of John Wayne. It should be noted that Curt once met and took a picture with John Wayne.
He is survived by his wife, Denise Oden of Exline, Iowa; a step-daughter, Tracy Miller of Jefferson City, Missouri; a brother, Russell Britt (Betty Ann) Oden of Woodbury, New Jersey. Curt was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Jolene Oden; and a special uncle, Donald Oden.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, May 15, 2015 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville with Reverend Dennis Gilbert officiating. Interment will follow in the Exline Cemetery. A visitation will be held Thursday at Lange Funeral Home, with the family greeting friends from 5-8 PM. A Masonic Service will be held at 7 PM Thursday evening, conducted by the Masonic Jackson Lodge, # 42. In lieu of flowers, an open memorial has been established to be designated at a later date. Memorials may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.
Visitation
May 14, 2015 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
Funeral Service
May 15, 2015 10:30 AM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
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