To say Dave was a good man is spot-on, but likewise doesn't do him justice.   His love lives on through the wonderful son and daughter he and Marge raised.  Peace and love be with you all.  And thank you, Dave. Rest well, Sir.

Dave was such a honest loving man. A friend everyone should have. He and  Marge went out of their way for family and friends 
 Dave lived the true Christian life. Always a smile.
Life was better knowing him.

To The Odem:

I grieve for my dear friend whom I got to know and spent time with at Clark Air Force Base, Manila, Philippines.   

My Deepened Cadence to his Wife and family.

John Schwaiger
jcschwaiger@gmail.com

Marge and family. My prayers and thoughts are with you. My best time ever with Dave was our trip to Hawaii and his surf boogie board. He will be missed on earth but I’m sure he is enjoying heaven.

Danny and I send our sympathy to Marge and the family.  We enjoyed our friendship with Dave and Marge while serving the Shiloh church .  David was a beautiful man of God.  His kindness and good cheer radiated easily. 
In Christ's Love,  Carol Cox

Dave; I have missed you since we each retired from the 932 AES. It is funny but whenever I dream of the place, often I am walking into the orderly room and there you are, greeting the rest of us with your “Dave smile.” It was always the best way to begin my duty day! I guess some things never change as I picture that million-watt smile shining down from Heaven now over your family, and especially your Marge.

Although I only met her once or twice, to this day I remember how your eyes shone with pride as you introduced me to Marge. Like it was yesterday. And I instantly felt, “Ahh, here is a woman who is his equal in every way. Who loves him as he loves her. Who puts up with his BS and can equally give it back.” In other words, my old friend, you two were a good fit and you somehow knew that at the tender age of twenty-one. Well-done, indeed. 

Thank you, Marge, for sharing your husband with Uncle Sam (a tough mistress indeed) for thirty years. I like to think that “we” took good care of him, appreciated him, and showed him the respect that you would expect from us, and that he deserved. I know for sure that the 932 AES could not have functioned at half the high level of production and professionalism that it did without Dave’s presence.  

So, my friend—Fly High! I hope you have not only touched the clouds, but flown through them and are perhaps sitting atop a fluffy one now, with perhaps a cold beer in one hand. You deserve that. And if, by chance, you were carried up to Heaven with the stunning wings of a C-9 beneath you, well…you most certainly deserve that, too.  

Fondly and With Great Respect,

Annie “Woo” Worcester
Retired Flight Nurse, 932 AES

In the fall of 2012, I began to attend what was then the Shiloh United Methodist Church. Dave and Marge Odem were some of the first people to greet me and we became new friends. It was in that church that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, and I went on to become a Stephen Minister, as was Dave. He was one of the kindest, most gracious men I've ever met. In recent years, I haven't kept up with the Odems since my wife Laurie and I began to attend a different church, but I will always remember and honor Dave as a friend and mentor.

Dave and Marge, two of the finest people I know.   Marge stood by Dave through thick and thin, for better or worse as his health declined.   Dave always greeted with a smile. 
Their love story lasted to the end.  
I’ll miss my times with the Odem’s as I was privileged to serve them as well as call them friends.  
Prayers being lifted for Marge and family during this time of loss.  As Believers we rest in the reality of a reunion in our Heavenly Home.

I hope you can take comfort in all the beautiful memories you have.  Dave was such a nice guy.  Sending lots of love to all of you.

OBITUARY

David Allen Odem

February 4, 1947 – April 23, 2025

Valhalla-Gaerdner-Holten Funeral Home & Valhalla Gardens

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