Ronald "Ronn" Luther O'Dell

Ronn was born on April 16, 1939, in rural Scioto County, OH - near the little town of Friendship, OH - to Luther Benton and Della Farrell (Beekman) O’Dell. He was the youngest of eight children. Growing up on a farm in southern Ohio was filled with lots of hard work, but also hours of hunting, fishing, swimming in nearby Turkey Creek, and exploring the enchanting western Appalachian hills with his beloved parents and siblings.

After graduating from Portsmouth West High School in 1957, Ronn attended college at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. After graduating with his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Ronn went to work designing and building radar systems for General Electric. During his time at GE, he spent time living and working in: Diyarbakir, Turkey; Shemya, Alaska; Syracuse, New York; and eventually Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1966 he settled permanently in Woodland Park, Colorado, and began a second career as a real estate developer. In Woodland Park he met Carole Anne (Ries) Harris. The two were married on June 18, 1970, and he became a loving stepfather to her two girls - Deborah and Cheryl. In 1979 they also welcomed their own son, Sean, to their family.

Ronn was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life. During his time at General Electric, he spent his vacations big game hunting in Turkey, India, Bangladesh, and Asam. Once settling in Colorado, he spent countless hours exploring the Rocky Mountains with his many friends and, eventually, his son, Sean. Ronn and Sean would go on to build many cherished memories together, hunting and fishing throughout the western United States and southern Canada.

Late in life Ronn became a beloved and devoted grandfather to three adoring grandchildren. Each remembers their grandpa as their biggest fan. He could often be found taking Scott on fishing trips, religiously attending Lucas and Scott’s flag football games, or playing Barbies with Jaycie every afternoon after preschool.

Ronn leaves behind his son, Sean (Julie) O’Dell of Colorado Springs; stepdaughters, Cheryl (Harris) Lawson of Bremerton, Washington and Deborah (Harris) Skelton of Louisville, Colorado; grandchildren, Scott, Lucas, and Jaycie O’Dell of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his brother, Lynn O’Dell of Friendship, Ohio; former spouse and lifelong friend, Carole (Reis, O’Dell) Woolman; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in passing by his mother and father; siblings, Virginia (O’Dell) Nickell, Miriam (O’Dell) Webb, Harold, Eugene, Lee, and Paul O’Dell; and nephew, Ryan O’Dell.

A Visitation and Reception will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024 from 12:00PM-1:00PM, a Celebration of Life is to follow from 1:00PM-2:00PM, at Chapel of Memories, 829 South Hancock Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

A Graveside Service will follow at 2:30PM at Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.