Reverend J. Mark Odell's Obituary
Reverend J. Mark Odell, age 78, of Milton, DE, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 30, 2022, with his family by his side. He was born on May 30, 1944, in Baltimore, MD, the son of the late James and Christina (Gretsky) Odell.
Reverend Odell graduated from City College of Baltimore, earned his bachelor’s degree from Towson State University, Towson, MD, and earned his master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. On November 15, 1969, Mark wed Laura A. Razwell, and they would spend the next fifty-two years creating a wonderful life and family together. As a young man, Mark felt called to the ministry and he attended the Leningrad Theological Academy earning his theological master’s degree. During his years in the ministry, he served at Saint Innocent Orthodox Church in Detroit, MI, and Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church in Baltimore MD. Above all else, his devotion to his family took precedence over all and the time spent with them was what he held most dear. Reverend Odell was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, pastor and friend and he will be dearly missed by those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Reverend Odell is survived by his beloved wife, Laura A. Odell of Milton, DE; his daughter, Daria Rowe (Keith) of Lewes, DE; his granddaughters, Rebecca Rowe, of Charlotte, NC, Alexandra, and Kaitlyn Rowe, of Lewes, DE; his brother, John O’Dell (Joan) of Ocean City, MD; his sister, Diane Cooke (Doreen) of Lewes, DE; and his nephew, Mark O’Dell (Danielle) of Severna Park, MD.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 11:00 AM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, where friends may call beginning at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Reverend Odell’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or www.stjude.org.
Please sign Reverend Odell’s virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 5:00 PM ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2022 AT OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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