Francis Prince Odom

On November 19, 2021 Francis Prince Odom joined his mother, Myrtle G. White and grandmother, Vivian McBride, in heaven. He is survived by this wife, Wilhelmina Espiritu Odom, his son Troy Odom and his sisters Vivian Malson and Gloria Shines Mack.

Francis was born on December 2, 1943 in Glouster, Mississippi to Myrtle Hunter. After traveling and living in several states, the family decided to settle in Pocatello, Idaho.

Francis excelled in his formative years academically and athletically. He earned honors in track and field. After graduating high school, Francis joined the Army from 1963 to 1966.

While primarily based in Germany, Francis continued his track career representing the Army, competing in several nations. He also competed in Ping Pong, a sport that enabled him to compete in several countries, including China. In true form, Francis also excelled at boxing.

He attended Idaho State, his beloved alma mater. On a combination of the GI bill & partial athletic scholarship.

Once returning to Idaho, Francis began an illustrious career with First Security Bank. Climbing up the ranks, he was transferred to Idaho Falls. He then chose to go back the Pocatello branch in order to be near his ailing mother.

Francis eventually was transferred to Boise, Idaho as branch manager. He served there for several years before being promoted to Vice President at First Security, transferred to Las Vegas, Nevada and supervised at least five branches of the bank.

Francis was revered by members of the community, government and non-profit communities. In 1990 Francis was commissioned by the State of Idaho Centennial Commission to write A Century of Quiet Accomplishment, the black history of Idaho.

He served as the President of the Idaho Mental Health Association. He volunteered on several community boards, utilizing his financial acumen to help the community. He also served and President of local chapters of the NAACP. Not only was Francis deeply involved with his work, he has always been deeply involved with his community.

His personal hobbies were equally eclectic. He was an avid historian, collecting and reading books. He would do research online for various topics including his family tree. One of his favorite past times was collecting comic books and this hobby was passed to him from his mother and then passed on to his son. He loved gardening and his back yard was prized by him.

He loved all facets of Las Vegas, from the community to the entertainment to the weather. He loved to entertain guests from around the nation, especially his friends from Idaho.

Francis P. Odom touched everyone who ever knew him -- he was a true renaissance man and will be dearly missed.

A visitation for Francis will be held Monday, November 29, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Palm Downtown Mortuary, 1325 North Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, followed by a funeral service at 5:00 PM.

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