Patricia Ann Odum's Obituary
Patricia Ann (Cowsert) Odum passed away on 10.26.20, her 89th birthday. Born in West Frankfort, Illinois in 1931, Patricia, one of four siblings, grew up in the time of The Great Depression. Life was hard, but the children knew a caring loving mother who instilled qualities of integrity, compassion and a strong work ethic upon them.
Eloping during her first year of college, Patricia married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Odum, a young whippersnapper from the neighboring town of Johnston City. Marriage for the young couple brought on adventure- a move to The Windy City, where Pat was employed by Eastman Kodak, and Bob tackled driving a bus for The Chicago Transit Authority. In 1950, The Korean War Draft, created more changes for the young couple. As Bob reported to Fort Dix, Pat transferred to Kodak Dallas, where she lived with her Aunt Helen and Uncle Victor Alexander, who could help with their first daughter, Bobbi.
As Bob served his Military Duty, Pat forged a new life in Texas. When Bob returned, he had a new post war home in Irving, Texas where the couple would soon have two more daughters, Sharon and Susan. Pat, a career driven wife who was not interested in being a “1950’s housewife”, being somewhat
independent and ambitious, in a pre- women’s independent era, took on a new challenge- working for Collins Radio International (later Collins Rockwell) for over 30 years. Collins, a communications supplier to the Nasa Gemini and Apollo projects, provided Pat a sense of pride, as she pointed out specific Collins equipment to her young daughters as the family followed the Historic launches on black and white television.
Pat and Bob retired in 1985, and took on one more adventure, moving to Cabo San Lucas for 6 years, where they enjoyed deep sea fishing and the beautiful rugged landscape. Returning to Texas, as new grandparents, they settled in to enjoy grand kids and family. Bob passed away in 2007.
Pat is survived by her daughters Bobbi (Odum) Schaefer, Sharon Odum and Susan Odum and partner, Jamie Alexander. Son-in-law Chuck Schaefer, grandchildren Greg Schaefer and his wife Kristen and Megan (Schaefer) Roberts and her husband Jeremy Roberts. Her beloved great grandchildren, Charlotte and Hank Roberts brought her so much joy.
Pat is also survived by her brother Richard Cowsert and his wife Sherry of St Louis, her sister Leslie Cowsert Smith of Carbondale, Illinois, and many nieces, nephews, and her dearest friend Sybil Walker of Dallas.
What’s your fondest memory of Patricia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patricia?
Share a story where Patricia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patricia you’ll never forget.
How did Patricia make you smile?
