Robert Odom

Born in Armorel, Arkansas in 1937, he was the first-born son of Chester E.  and Dorothy Graham Odom.  He was the eldest of eight children.  At the age of 18, Bob joined the Air Force to create a life for himself and to help his mother in supporting his little brother and sisters. 

On June 6, 1959, while stationed in Limestone, Maine, he was set up on a blind date with Yolande Paradis, a lovely French-Canadian girl in Quebec City.  They were married the following year and were blessed with three children—Dominque (Lupita), Martin (Irene), and Danielle.  One of the greatest joys of his life was being an active grandfather “Big Bob” to Robert “Bobby”, Mary Rose, Camila Yolande, Gabriel Robert, Claire, Sofia, and Pierre.  He and Yolande took grandparenting to heart and could always be counted on to attend every school event.  Big Bob was even known to show up to Veterans Day ceremonies in uniform at the request of a grandchild.    

Bob served almost 30 years in the Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller, retiring with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.  He served his country in both Korea and Vietnam.  After retirement and relocation to Austin, he enjoyed great success as an RV Salesman, a job he thoroughly enjoyed.  He and Yolande traveled for a year in an RV for fun. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and his siblings Harold, Paulette, Susie and Sheila.  He is survived by his children and grandchildren, his sisters Nancy Pigue, Mary P. Odom, Mary Jayne Arthur (Ed), and Teresa Schuman as well as many extended family and friends.  Per their expressed desire, Bob and Yolande will be interred together at the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery at a later date with a reception to follow.