Born in Lebanon, Kentucky, June 15, 1944, he was the son of the late James A. O’Daniel and Aline Funk O’Daniel. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Lelia Mae O’Daniel and one brother, Raphael B. O’Daniel.
John was a 1967 graduate of the University of Kentucky with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation he began a 28 year career with B & W where he served as the manager of the machine shop and later head of maintenance and construction. He then worked for a number of years for Areva where he served as the manager of the machine shop and later manager of major operation projects. He was also a pilot and flight instructor at the New London Airstrip. He also collected and restored antique gas engines.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Cheryl O’Daniel; two sons, Matthew O’Daniel and his wife Christi and Jason O’Daniel and his wife Sally all of Lynchburg; five grandchildren, Jacey O’Daniel, Mattie O’Daniel, Mason O’Daniel, James O’Daniel, Hannah Mobley and Josh Gartner and his wife Alyssa and five great grandchildren; one brother, James T. O'Daniel and his wife Lona and his sister-in-law, Lois O'Daniel.
A service celebrating his life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2022 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with Pastor Brad McMullen officiating. Interment will follow in Virginia Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Lynchburg Fire Museum, 800 Madison St., Lynchburg, VA 24504.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whittentimberlake.com for the O'Daniel family.
