Thomas Odum, 75, of Columbia, MO passed away Sunday, January 29, 2023 with his family by his side. Visitation will be 10:00 am – 11:00 am, Friday, February 3, 2023 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 903 Bernadette Drive in Columbia. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am at the church followed by burial in Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia.
Tom was born August 18, 1947 in St. Louis, MO to George W. and Lorraine F. Stetina Odum. In 1965, he graduated from St. John the Baptist High School in St. Louis. Just after high school, he served in the US Army and then attended the Gradwohl School of Laboratory Technique in St. Louis. After working for several years in the laboratory at Incarnate Word Hospital, Tom felt drawn to the area of patient care. He then earned his nursing degree from St. Louis Municipal School of Nursing. On November 27, 1971 he married Beverly Mullis and they moved to Columbia, MO in 1977. Tom worked locally for 37 years as a registered nurse at Columbia Regional Hospital and University of Missouri Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Tom was a devout Catholic and began each day with scripture, spiritual reflections, and prayer. His hobbies included fishing, camping, and hiking. He always looked forward to the Odum family and friends fishing trip. He enjoyed reading and was an avid student of history and nature.
Tom will be remembered for his compassion, storytelling, and jokes. His devotion to his wife of 51 years and daughters was reflected throughout their lives. He supported Elizabeth and Emily’s goals and activities. He rejoiced in celebrating their accomplishments and ended each day in prayer with them. He was most proud of having recently become a grandpa. Each evening he texted prayers and words of wisdom to Baby Nolan.
Tom is survived by his wife, Beverly; daughters, Elizabeth Odum of Jefferson City, and Emily (Jeff) Roper of Columbia; grandson, Nolan Roper; siblings, David (Judy) Odum, Mary (Dennis) Trueman, Steven (Irene) Odum, and Cathy (Doug) Scherrer all of St. Louis; many nieces and nephews, and a loving extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Francis and Lillian Stetina and David and Ann Odum, loving aunts and uncles, and great niece Ansley Odum.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 903 Bernadette Drive Columbia, MO 65202 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
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