Jack S. Oden's Obituary
Jack S. Oden was a caring husband, father, grandfather, uncle, neighbor, friend and truly a Jack of all trades. He passed away on July 21, 2026 at the Putnam County Care Center.
He was born on September 17, 1949 to Jack and Juanita Oden of Exline, Iowa. He was a graduate of Centerville High School in 1968 and went on to graduate from Indian Hills Community College. On August 16, 1969 he married the love of his life Mary, who preceded him in death in 2023, after 53 years of marriage, together they had two children Jackie and Jeff. After college Jack began working at Union Carbide and continued as they changed companies over the years to Viskase, and Bemis, for 47 years. He was also a family farmer in Chariton, MO where he and Mary made their life helping his father-in-law and taking over after his passing.
Jack grew up in Exline surrounded by a large family of siblings, cousins, and friends. He loved playing sports when he was younger, especially football, basketball, slow pitch softball, which he could get quite competitive about. Then later he enjoyed watching his kids, nieces, nephews, and eventually grandsons play. He could be seen in the stands, or outside the ring of many games or livestock shows. He was a supporter of any activities his kids were in from sports to band to 4-H and FFA. We can't remember an event that he missed, even if he had to work nights or early the next morning. He would often rush home from work and do chores just to make it to an event. He also enjoyed helping at the Putnam County Fair, first serving as Sheep Superintendent and then watching over the 4-H building with Mary.
Jack was preceded in death by his one and only, Mary; his parents, Jack and Juanita; brothers, Richard and Jim; sister, Cheryl and his father and mother-in-law, Elva and Virgie Allen. He is survived by his children, Jackie (David), Jeff (Ryan); sister, Marcia; and brother, Paul. Grandchildren, Kaiu, Bridgette, Tyson, Tanner, and Talya; great-grandchildren, Roan, Rein, Braxton, Gannon, and Krew. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, neighbors, and former coworkers.
Funeral services will be held on August 3rd with a visitation from 4PM-6PM at Thomas funeral home in Centerville, followed by a sunset burial at Mt. Hermon Cemetery in Chariton, Missouri. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Putnam County Care Center for their dedicated care. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Putnam County 4-H or Mt Hermon Cemetery and can be sent to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Oden Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at https://www.thomasfh.com <http://www.thomasfh.com> or https://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome <http://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome>.
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