Bobby Joe O'Dell

Bobby Joe was born March 28, 1930 to Luther Davie O’Dell and Ruby Clyde Tankersly. He attended Cotulla High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He was a hospitalman in the Korean War where he was recognized for his honorable service with a Korean Service Medal, a Gold Conduct Medal, a Silver Star and a Purple Heart, specifically for his heroic actions in the Battle at Chosin Reservoir, Korea. During the battle, he pulled 7 wounded soldiers to safety despite being wounded himself, including a gunshot wound to the chest. Bobby Joe didn’t see himself as a hero. When asked why he went back to help others even while wounded he said, “it was his job and the right thing to do.”

After the Korean War, Bobby Joe returned home and married Jewel Marie Miller on July 4, 1952. Then he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Master Sergeant after more than 20 years of service. While serving in the Air Force he received a multitude of medals and awards including the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Special Operation Group Award, Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

Bobby Joe and Jewel built their life together in San Antonio, TX. They had 5 boys. Bobby Joe then went to work at the University Health Science Center where he ran the experimental surgery lab. During this time he invented a few things, including the first kidney preservation unit for live kidney transportation.

Bobby Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Luther O’Dell and Ruby Ramsey, 3 brothers and 2 sisters, his sons Gregory Nolan O’Dell and Kenneth William O’Dell, and his great-grandson Jacob Moos.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years and 4 months, Jewel Marie O’Dell, 3 sons, Daniel Thomas O’Dell, Robert Brian O’Dell (wife Denise), and Keith Ramsey O’Dell, as well as 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren.

The memorial service to honor the life and military service of Bobby Joe O’Dell will be held at Porter Loring (North) on November 14 at 12 pm with graveside service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2 pm.