Ian Valentine O'Dell

Ian was born to Ulysses and Cynthia O’Dell on August 12th, 1999, in Modesto, California. In his 23 years, he made an indelible mark on those who knew and loved him best. He was a lover of nature, adventure, friends, and above all–family.

Always ready for his next adventure, Ian left his home in California and set off for the University of Kentucky before briefly attending California State University, Stanislaus. While attending UK, he was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity where he came to know several of his closest friends, of which he had many, and grew in love with the state of Kentucky and the Kentucky Wildcats.

When he wasn’t immersed in sports, video games, or drawing—Ian could always be found enjoying the outdoors. He was unwavering in his support of wildlife conservation and agricultural efforts, and he loved hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with his black lab, Maggie. From childhood, he was lovingly referred to as “bull” by his family, after the story of Ferdinand the Bull. A red bull whose nature was not to fight, but instead to sit beneath his favorite tree and smell the flowers.

Ian was wise beyond his years and kind beyond limits, wanting to leave those around him a bit better than he found them. He once wrote: “A little kindness in the world goes a long way. It’s times when we’re down on our luck that if we open up our hearts a little, the world shines back.” He will be remembered as a bright light to those who had the gift of knowing him, and a fiercely loyal son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend.

Ian passed away on September 30th, 2022. He is survived by his parents—Ulysses and Cynthia O’Dell; his siblings—Evan O’Dell, Sara Marcial, Mackenzie O’Dell, and Sean O’Dell; and his niece and nephews—Callie and Jackson Marcial, and Grant O’Dell.

Ian wanted to leave his mark on the world, and he did exactly that. He will be missed beyond measure and his family is eternally grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this time.

A visitation for Ian will be held Wednesday, October 12, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lakewood Funeral Home - Heritage Chapel, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326. A memorial service will occur Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at The Fruit Yard, 7948 Yosemite Blvd, Modesto, CA 95357.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakewoodHughson.com for the O'Dell family.