Gerald Smith Odom, 70, died at his Heavener home on July 21, 2019 after a long and brave struggle with throat cancer.
He was born in Heavener, Oklahoma in 1948, and had been a resident there for the last 37 years; but his formative and young adult years were spent in McAlester, Oklahoma.
He was a 1967 graduate of McAlester High School, where he excelled in art and drama, and was named “Best Actor” in the acclaimed MHS drama department. He was known for his keen intellect and sharp wit.
He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, and served in 1968-1969 in assistance to Strategic Air Command.
Gerald helped design a great many projects with his intense creativity, including the original “1896” restaurant in McAlester, a groundbreaking design departure for the time.
In his later years, he enjoyed painting and resumed acting with a co-starring role in the film “Lone Star Blues”. Ill health prevented him from seeing his last project come to fruition, a food bank and chapel for his newfound ministry.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Christine Odom, an infant older brother, and his younger brother, Buddy Odom. He is survived by his brother, Ben Odom and sister-in-law, Dr. Teresa Craig; by his uncles Lawrence Odom and Audrey Forehand; and his cousins.
A memorial service will be held in McAlester at a later date. Direct burial was on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at Heavener Memorial Park, amidst four generations of relatives.
Arrangements were under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home in Heavener, Oklahoma.
To sign Gerald’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com