Mr. Franklin "Odell" Evartt

Franklin Odell Evartt of Bedford, TX., beloved father, grandfather, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2021, reuniting in heaven with his cherished wife of 56 years, Barbara Ann Evartt. Odell was a man defined by love, family, faith, football, and kindness.

Odell was born to Edward Evartt and Velma Rainey Evartt at home on March 9, 1941, on property that is now part of DFW Airport. The youngest of 8 siblings, he was raised in rural Rendon, Tx, attending school there through 8th grade, the highest grade available, and then graduating from Mansfield High School where he met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Pigg. Odell admitted that dating the principal’s daughter definitely presented unique challenges!

Like many students today, Odell worked while in school, including emptying trash cans for teachers while in elementary school to earn lunch money. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from North Texas State University (UNT now) and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Tarleton State University. During his more than 30 year career as an educator in HEB ISD, Odell was dedicated to ensuring that no student at his school went hungry during the school day. Odell was a successful (and loud, as any ref can confirm) football coach who positively shaped the lives of many players, including some who went on to play in the NFL and others who entered into public service. Numerous former students credit Coach Evartt’s guidance and love for shaping them into the people they are now.

Family was the pride and joy of Odell’s life. Throughout his life, if you were looking for Odell, just check the sport, concert, and school activities calendar of his grandchildren. Football was a family topic of conversation 12 months a year. In fact, one fall Odell and Barbara attended more than 40 middle school and high school football games their grandsons played in or their son coached. All while cheering on other grandkids in soccer and lacrosse during the same season! Odell is survived by daughter Cathy Evartt Jackson, her husband Charlie; son David Odell Evartt, his wife Christi; grandchildren Ben Jackson (Katie), Jake Jackson, Matt Jackson (Morgan), Brianna Evartt Vaughn (Dexter), Austin Evartt, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Odell loved the Lord and served Him faithfully throughout his life volunteering with various ministries at 1st United Methodist Churches of Grapevine, Euless, and Mansfield. Programs such as Feed Our Kids, Be Our Guest, the 1st Grapevine Thrift Store and the Methodist Children’s Home were particularly dear to him. Since Barbara’s passing, his church family has been instrumental in sustaining him with their love and surrounding him with support.

Bluebonnet Funeral Home in Colleyville will provide visitation time on Sunday, August 15th from 4:30-6:30 pm. A memorial service celebrating Odell’s life will be held at 10:30 am August 16th at 1st United Methodist Church of Grapevine with additional visitation time immediately prior to the service. Burial to follow at 3:00 pm.

Odell and Barbara dedicated their lives to educating and caring for children. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to 1st UMC Grapevine, designated to Feed Our Kids or The Methodist Children’s Home.

If you wish to send flowers in honor of Mr. Odell Evartt please contact Lilium Floral Design at 817-589-1566 or http://www.liliumflorals.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bluebonnethills.com for the Evartt family.