Allen Siles O'Dette

September 28, 1941 ~ November 29, 2008
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Allen Siles O'Dette, 67, 702 North Luther Rd., Candler, NC, died Saturday, November 29, 2008, at Memorial Campus Mission Hospitals, Asheville, NC.
Mr. O'Dette was a native of Watertown, NY, and was a son of the late Oliver B. and Julia Irene Thrasher O'Dette. He is also preceded in death by sisters, Dora Jean Repp, Judy Reynolds, and Mary Ellen Gondosch.
Mr. O'Dette formerly worked as an auto mechanic at Fort Drum, NY. He was a talented woodworker who provided unique handcrafted items to family and friends. He was a 10-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving 3 tours in Vietnam. He was the first Watertown native to be wounded in action in Vietnam, and was awarded two Purple Hearts, and one Silver Star.
Mr. O'Dette is survived by his wife, Judy Brookshire O'Dette; son, Lloyd Steven Lee Brookshire, of Asheville, children from a previous marriage, David Allen O'Dette, and Tamara Louise Rodriguez; sisters, Ruby Pierce, Elizabeth Currier, Dawn Link, and Sally Price; brothers, Clyde, Jan, and Oliver O'Dette; grandchildren, A.J. and Veronica O'Dette, Christopher Jones, and Joey Rodriguez; and two special great-nephews, Camden and Bryce Ingle.
A funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday in the Patton Ave. chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Charlie Sams officiating. Interment will follow at Green Hills Cemetery, Asheville, with military rites performed by the Buncombe Co. Veterans Council.
His family will receive friends from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Dear Virginia, David, Tammy & family,
So sorry to hear about your ex-husband Virginia and your father David & Tammy. We used to bowl with your mother and him years ago- we had alot of good times. David you were his first born and he was so proud of you two children and his grand children. Remember all your fond memories of him- it is so hard losing a parent. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss.
JUDY,
MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS VERY SAD TIME IN YOUR LIFE. MAY THE MEMORIES OF YOUR LIFE TOGETHER GIVE YOU COMFORT. I AM GLAD YOU HAVE STEVEN AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS AROUND YOU. LOVE, CATHY
To my Darling Al. I miss you so much. I just can’t accept the fact that you are gone. We had a lot of good times but I was so hoping we would grow old together. I still go to the cemetary everyday, but of course you already know that. I know that you would not want me to be sad but I can’t help it. I don’t know what to do. It’s just not the same without you here. It feels like someone ripped part of my heart out. You were one of the most important people in my life and I loved you so much and I always will. That will never change. We will always be together forever, because I have you in my heart. Your loving wife, Judy
Dear Judy and Steven,
I found out about Al today and my heart is broken for the both of you. My heart also breaks – because no matter what, your family has always been special to me and in my thoughts very often. Judy you are and have always been special to me and I have missed you alot. Al was a wonderful man and I am so glad that I had the privilige to know him. I still have all of the woodwork that he made for me. I just wish that I could have been there for you and Steven. But I am telling you now – if you need me I am here!! My prayers and love are with you and Steven.
Lisa Saye
Al, my darling, it has been a while since I last wrote in this book. I miss you more and more every day. Valentines Day was pretty rough since you weren’t here. I still bought you cards and read them to you at the cemetary. Steven will be home in 3 weeks so he will be a big help to me. I wish you were here with me. Always and Forever I Love You.
I am childhood friend of Tammy’s and I have fond memories of Mr. Odette who was always nice to me.
I know that Al is at peace and watching you and Steven. You were a wonderful wife and Son. You were all very lucky to have one another and share the life you had together. I pray for you to find comfort.
Judi
Dad,
Thanks for being one of the best things in my life and to ever happen in my life. You know that when you came into my life, I had never really had a father, and that is the part that my life was missing. Everything that I am , and everything that I will become is because of you and my mother. Thanks for being the best father that I could have ever asked for, and wanted. I only hope that someday I can be half the man that you were to our family, to the O’dette family, to the Ingle family, and to everyone that you came into contact with. Mom and I miss you so much, and can’t wait until that day when we can see you again. Xena and Zeus also miss you, and will see you there too. Ive always said that this is one of the things that I never wanted to live thru, as it would hurt to much too say goodbye. But I believe everything that you told me and every advice you ever gave me was preparing me for my life. Thank you so much for making my mom’s life complete, and making her so happy the last 25 years. So in the end , I am not saying goodbye, as I believe you will always be here with my mom, me, Tammy, David, Susie, Misty, Camden, Bryce, Tammy E., and all of our family. And someday we will all meet up in Heaven, with Duke,Thor, Grandma O’dette, and all of our loved ones and God. Thanks Dad, and I love you so much.
Steven
Dear Tammy and David, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. During this time of sadness, I hold you in my heart, thoughts, and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you on the passing of Uncle Al. Know that we are here for you and wish God’s blessings of comfort and peace. We love you!
Al was a very special person and a great friend to me, I will miss him very much. He was a true Patriot and had a heart of Gold!I Love you man!
Danny.
Uncle Al you are always in my heart, I love you and miss you very much and even more know.         Love, Ann
Love and miss you Uncle Al. I wish we could have spent more time together. You will always be in my heart. My mom, Ruby, says she wishes she could be there, and that big sis loves you all.
Sorry to see my Uncle Al gone even though not seen him in a long time he will be greatly missed…
Uncle Al I will always miss and love you. You will alway be in are hearts.
JUDI,
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND STEVEN. I AM SO HAPPY THAT I WAS ABLE TO SEE YOU AND AL IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR. THAT VISIT WILL ALWAYS BE SPECIAL TO ME. MAY YOU AND STEVEN FIND COMFORT IN YOUR MEMORIES. REMEMBER I AM ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU. LOVE, CORLISS
my condolences to Judy, Steven, David, & Tamara – at the loss of your husband/father. Uncle Allen will always be remembered by our family.
David,
So sorry to hear about your dad, I will be thinking about you and your family
Steve Farmer
As a Vietnam Vet;I can relate to you`re Brave & Loyal Service to our Country. I don`t know you; But you are still my BROTHER. WELCOME HOME, ALLEN
My condolences to uncle Allen’s family from my family Matt, Ryan and myself
My uncle Al was more than an uncle. he was a father and grandfather to my 2 precious boys, Camden & Bryce. He taught me things that I will hold close to my heart forever. He taught me to stand up for myself and to never back down in something i believe in. He gave me strength and support no matter what. He was my hero and i miss him so much.
My family sends it’s Condolence to Judy and family. We are sorry to hear of your lost. Al was good man and I was honored to know him.Our prayers go out to you at this time. May Heavenly Father’s blessings be with you and comfort you.
David & Michelle Jordan
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Judy also the families.
The Rush Family
O’DETT FAMILY,
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT ALLEN, HE WAS A GREAT COUSIN, HAD A LOT OF GOOD TIMES WITH HIM.
LOVE FROM ALL
THE PERRY FAMILY’S
NANCY AND GEORGE
MOULTON
Judy- I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there with you. You are in my prayers.
Rest in peace
David & Tammy my Condolences and prayers to the both of you,so sorry for your loss he will be missed.
Dear Tammy, I am sorry to hear about your Dad. If there is anything I can do, please feel free to call me!!
Always,
Traci Carnes Frisbee
Charlie and I have known Al for many years. We met him thru his first wife, Ginny. We used to come to NC on vacation and our two families would get together and visit other places, like the beach,the coast of NC, and Six Flags. We always looked forward to those times. Our sons, Kenny and his son David, were born on the same day about four hours apart. Tammy was born about two years after my Malissa, so it was nice that the children were so close together in age. We have such good memories of Al. He had a lot of good qualities that everyone liked. We hadn’t been as close to Al as we used to be when we were all younger but we still cared a lot for him. His passing was a very sad thing for everyone who cared for him. We will miss him….Charlie and Billie Metcalf
Dear Tammy, David and Family, Know that you are all in our prayers thru
this time in your life..May God’s Grace hold you up as you uphold Him.
Donna & LeMar Worley
I am very sad that you are gone! I will miss our good times in the swing and the popcicles.I will say a prayer for you every night. I LOVE YOU, FROM YOUR BUDDY CAMDEN.
To my wonderful husband, AL. I miss you so much.When I took you to the hospital I thought I would be bringing you home again just like all of the other times. But I know now that it was your time to be called to heaven.You will never have to suffer again. I know that you are in heaven with Duke, Thor,and your mother. I know that you will be mine and Stevens guardian angel. You will watch over us and keep us safe until it is time for us to come to heaven. Oh what a wonderful reunion we will have.I am so thankful that we met and fell in love. You gave me 25 of the best years of my life. We made a lot of memories that I will keep in my heart forever.And I am so thankful that while you were in the hospital that God let you come off of the respirator long enough for you to tell Steven that you loved him and to tell me that you loved me. Within minutes you had to be sedated again and put back on the respirator. Most people never get that chance, but we did and were able to tell you how very much we loved you. I was there when you drew your last breath and my heart was broken. Never to be the same again. Xena and Zeus miss you too. It is going to be so very hard to go on without you, but at least Steven will be home soon.I remember how happy you were when you found out that you could adopt Steven and he could still carry on the Brookshire last name.We were going to tell Steven when he came home for Christmas. But he will always be your son in Gods eyes and no one can ever take that away from you or him.So yes he is your son. I visit your grave daily and wish with all my heart that I could turn back time. It is going to be so hard not to have you with me. But when my time comes then we will meet again in heaven. We did love each other and we told each other that several times a day.I feel you with me especially when I am alone with my thoughts of you. When I wake up each day, it is like a dream, but then I have to face the reality that you are gone and not coming back. Life will not be the same without you. Take care my love and know that you will always be in my heart and I will love you forever.
You’re in My Thoughts
Tammy & David, We’re so sorry to hear about your Dad, Our prayers are with you. He was a Wonderful Man, and a Great Friend.. I have so many Memories growing up,with him and his race car, Holidays at the Farm and his home made Spaghetti. Keep the Precious Memories in your heart. God Bless You Both! Chuck & Joanne A Estep
Judy,
Sorry to hear about Al. We can’t meet again at family weddings but one day will meet again in Heaven. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Judy, so sorry for your loss. We have very fond memories of our times with you and Al. I wish we had kept in closer touch with you both. Our prayers are with you especially on this, the hardest day of all. God bless and take care.
Carol
Hi Judy, I’m so sorry to hear about Allen. You are in my thoughts!
Hello My Love. I haven’t written in this book for quite awhile. But you are always in my heart and on my mind. It has been 5 months, but it still seems like it happened yesterday. I miss you so much. I don’t know how other people are dealing with you being gone, but I never knew I had that many tears. I try my best not to lose it when I am around other people. I know they are there for me, but I don’t want to bother anyone.I love you so much and I wish you were here. I am trying to be strong, but it hurts so much. I know you would not want me to be sad, but this out of my control, my heart is broken nothing anyone says or does helps me. I guess I will have to put it in Gods hands. All My Love Forever. Your Loving Wife, JUDY
AL, YOU ARE NEVER MORE THAN A THOUGHT AWAY.IT HAS BEEN ALMOST 9 MONTHS BUT IT STILL FEELS AND HURTS LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY. I STILL VISIT YOU EVERY DAY AND HAVE MY QUIET TIME WITH YOU. I CAN FEEL YOU THERE WITH ME. STEVEN , XENA AND ZEUS MISS YOU TOO. WELL TAKE CARE MY LOVE AND KNOW THAT YOU HAVE MY HEART AND MY LOVE FOREVER. I MISS YOU !!!!!! YOUR LOVING WIFE, JUDY
AL, TODAY WOULD HAVE BEEN YOUR 68TH BIRTHDAY. I MISS YOU SO MUCH. I AM NOT THE SAME PERSON I USED TO BE. WITHOUT YOU , I AM ONLY HALF A PERSON BECAUSE MY BETTER HALF IS GONE. I KNOW YOU WOULD NOT WANT ME TO BE SAD BUT I KNOW I ALWAYS WILL BE.I TRY TO KEEP THAT HID FROM EVERYONE. I DO WISH WITH ALL MY HEART THAT YOU WERE HERE. ALL MY LOVE FOREVER.
AL, MY LOVE, IT HAS BEEN ALMOST 10 MONTHS NOW. I STILL MISS YOU SO MUCH. PEOPLE SAY I WILL EVENTUALLY GET OVER IT, BUT I WON’T BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT IS IN MY HEART. THE BETTER PART OF ME IS MISSING AND I CAN NEVER GET IT BACK. HERE IS A POEM I FOUND. I KNOW THERE IS SORROW WHERE LAUGHTER ONCE PLAYED, AND LINGERING TEARS, CAUSING GLADNESS TO FADE. BUT THERE’S A SWEET COMFORT OUR MEMORIES IMPART, SO ALWAYS REMEMBER… I’M THERE IN YOUR HEART. I KNOW THIS IS A POEM FROM YOU SO I ALWAYS KEEP IT WITH ME. I MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU…
AL, MY LOVE, YOU HAVE BEEN GONE FOR ONE YEAR TODAY.IT STILL SEEMS LIKE IT WAS JUST YESTERDAY. I HAVE GONE TO THE CEMETARY EVERY DAY AND I KNOW THAT YOU ARE THERE WITH ME. I MISS YOU SO MUCH. EVERYONE TELLS ME IT WILL GET BETTER DAY BY DAY. THEY ARE SO WRONG. MY HEART IS STILL BROKEN AND WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. MY LIFE HAS COMPLETELY CHANGED. I AM NOT THE SAME PERSON I WAS BEFORE. THANK YOU FOR WATCHING OVER ME AND STEVEN AND EVERYONE THAT YOU LOVED. YOU ARE OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL. HIGHER THAN THE SKY ABOVE, DEEPER THAN THE SEA, STRONGER THAN THE WINTER WINDS, BLOWING THROUGH THE TREES, RICHER THAN THE HONEYS TASTE, SWEETER THAN THE DEW, GREATER THAN THE REACH OF TIME, THIS IS MY L0VE FOR YOU… ALWAYS KNOW THAT I WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU FOREVER. YOUR LOVING WIFE, JUDY
HELLO MY DARLING, I AM SO SORRY IT HAS BEEN AWHILE SINCE I HAVE WRITTEN IN YOUR GUEST BOOK. I STILL MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART. YOU ARE NEVER MORE THAN A THOUGHT AWAY. I WOULD DO OR GIVE ANYTHING TO HAVE YOU BACK WITH ME. I KNOW THAT SOUNDS FOOLISH BUT I MEAN IT. THERE ARE TIMES THAT I FEEL I CAN’T GO ON WITHOUT YOU, BUT THEN I THINK THAT YOU ARE IN HEAVEN AND HAVE NO MORE PAIN AND IT HELPS ME TO KNOW THIS. I KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS WATCHING OVER ME AND THERE ARE TIMES I ACTUALLY FEEL YOU NEAR ME. FOREVER YOURS. ALWAYS STAY NEAR ME. YOUR LOVING WIFE, JUDY
Al, I miss you so much. I am having a really hard time with the fact that you are not here. I try really hard to be strong and not show my true emotions to anyone. Steven, Xena and Zeus send their love. I have my ups and downs but I am so glad that you are in a place where you are not sick or have any more pain. Again, I miss you and will always Love you Forever and you are always in my Heart. Together Forever, Judy
AL, As you already know since she is with you, Thor and Duke, We had to put Xena to sleep last night. She was having heart failure and when they did the x-rays she had a tumor growing on one side of her heart. The tumor was causing her arteries to collapse and her lungs were filling up with fluid. Steven and I could not stand to see her suffer anymore. The Doctor said it was just a matter of time, maybe a couple of days. She was with us here for 10 years and she was a good dog. I know she was your girl, so before they sedated her Steven said his goodbye and had to wait outside. He was all to pieces. I stayed with her until the very end. I told her Steven and I would be okay,. That it was time for her to go to go be with Daddy. I know she understood, because she looked at me and then went to sleep. That was from the sedative. Then they came in and I held her head and petted her just like you did with Thor. It was less than a minute and she was gone. It hurts so much but I have to keep telling myself, that she is in a better place with no suffering and she is with you. Please give her a big hug and kiss from me and Steven. I miss you so much and always know I Love You!!!
Hi Dad. I miss you so much. Mom and I had to let Xena come be with you today. I know that she has missed you since you went to be with God, Duke and Thor. I did my best since I got home from the Navy, to take of her and Zeus as best I could. Zeus has grown up to be a beautiful dog that you would be proud of. I am trying to be strong for my mom, and Zeus, but it is so very hard to love someone or a dog so much, and then have to say goodbye if only for a short time. I know that she is with you now, and I cant wait till the day that I get to come and see you and Duke, Thor, and now Xena. Please take care of her for me, and tell her that I love her so very much, and to give you the kisses that she would give to me. Xena– I love you so very much, and I am sorry that I moved away and wasnt here for the better part of your life, but you will always be my favorite pet, and think you for all of the happiness you brought to my life, Dad’s life, and moms too. I miss you and will see you again someday. Go be with Dad now, as he will be happy to see you.
Well Al, today is your birthday. You would have been 69 years old. I really miss you and wish you were here. It’s just not the same without you. The weather is turning colder so I know that fall and winter are just around the corner. I HATE this time of year.Steven is in College now. You would be so proud of him. I am. I think Zeus still misses Xena and you. It’s just a look that he gives me. Well I will be by the cemetary when I get off from work today. LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU. ALWAYS IN MY HEART.
Well it has been 2 years today since you left us. It still seems like it was just yesterday. I miss you so much. This day will always be a very sad day for me. It feels like my heart will burst. I just came back from the cemetery. I took you a single yellow rose which meant something to both of us. I know you are in heaven with Duke, Thor and Xena. Zeus misses you too. I still love you with all my heart. That will never change. Together forever.
Sorry I haven’t written since November 29. A lot has been going on. Someone stole your Christmas Flowers off of your headstone. I was so mad and upset. I made up a smaller version so you would not be without flowers. Who steals from a cemetary? And my Mom’s cancer has come back but this time in several places.I miss you so much and wish I could talk with you. It’s just so lonely here without you. I don’t think the pain will ever go away. I hide a lot of my feelings until no one is around. Miss you and Love you…
Dearest brother, It’s hard to believe that we have come to this time in our lives when we start loosing our very loved siblings. Time just flies by and before you know it 20 or 30 yrs have passed. Unfortunately there is no way of getting these back. It seems like we are always putting things off that are the most important in our lives. We grow up and create our own families and our own ways of life and then we loose touch with the most important part, our past. But one thing we never loose touch with is the undying love which siblings have for one another. It may not be expressed by words but we know it is in our hearts and that noone can take away. You really made a big difference in the hearts and lives of EVERYONE you touched through your years of life. And you can be very proud of that as everyone is without a doubt very proud to have known you. I’m glad to know that you are no longer suffering and that you are in a place of peace and tranquility watching over all of us fools down here. I have very many happy memories of times we spent together, in Florida, NC, and here in NY. You are greatly loved by many people and will never be forgotten. Just wanted to let you know that I love you. Your baby sister.
Hi Sweetheart, Today has been very hard for me for some reason. I miss you so very much and wish you were here. I can’t stop crying. You were my world and still are.I forget some things now but I have never forgotten not one single moment of our time together. Those were some of the happiest days of our lives. It helps me to sign the guestbook ever so often. There are times that I know you are right beside me and I know that you are watching over me, Steven and every one you loved. Just know that I Love You and I Miss You and that will never change.
Hi Babe, just thought I would let you know that Steven and I went to Watertown for the Odette reunion this year. We got to see family, Linda, my friends at NCOG and Steven got to see his friends. We put flowers on your Moms grave once we found it. Wish you coild have been there, but I know you were in spirit. I still miss you so much. All my love forever…
Well Al today is your birthday. You would have been 70. I wish with all my heart you could be here for it. I really miss you so much. I have pictures of you everywhere. At home, at work and in my car. Somehow it keeps you near me at all times. Steven and Zeus miss you also. Gotta go to work. Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you as always, but today would have been a special day for you even though you always said,’It’s just another day.’ Every day with you was special to me. Forever and always!
Well Al it has been 3 years today that you were called to Heaven. It still seems like yesterday. I miss you so much and I know that my heart will always be broken. I would give anything just to see you once more. There is not a day goes by that I don’t think about you. Steven and Zeus miss you too. I feel you near me at times so I know that your spirit still lives on. You would be so proud of your grand children. And also proud of Steven for going to college like he said he would to become a teacher. And he is always there when I need him and I know he always will be. I have so many wonderful and beautiful memories of us that I will treasure forever.This always is a sad and hard day for me but always know that I Love You and Miss You with all of my heart.
Merry Christmas Al, It has been 3 years and I miss you so much.Holidays are just not the same without you.I will always love you and miss you forever.
Hello Al, I haven’t written in awhile but I am sure you were watching as A.J. and Christopher graduated from Enka last night. I told both of them you would be very proud of them.I really miss you so much and wish you were here. Always remember I Love You XOXO
I am so sorry that I haven’t written you in a while. It’s not that I have forgotten you, because I still cry almost every day wishing you were still here. I truly miss you and love you. My heart will never be the same. All my love forever….
Just wanted you to know I still miss you with all my heart. I was sorry to hear about your sister, Ruby dying. But I am sure she is in heaven with you now. I know you were watching over Zeus when he had his surgery yesterday. Hopefully he will have a speedy recovery. All my love forever….
I still think about you all the time. You would be so proud of Steven. Graduated College and is now teaching. I attended 2 funerals last week and they brought back memories of yours. One was Wanda, Rhonda’s mother and Jo Cooper, the lady that cut my hair for 18 years. They both will be missed.Love you always and forever !!