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Robert Fulton "Bob" Odom Jr.

Robert Fulton "Bob" Odom Jr. obituary

FUNERAL HOME

Charlet Funeral Home, Inc., Clinton, LA

10761 Bank Street

Clinton, Louisiana

Robert Odom Obituary

Bob Odom passed away peacefully at Lane Regional Medical Center on May 17, 2014 at the age of 78. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. Survived by his wife of nearly 46 years, Mildred (Millie) Randolph Odom; one son, Robert (Robb) Fulton Odom, III and wife Monique; one daughter, Ashley Odom White and husband Ned. Three granddaughters, Taylor Brooke Odom, Baylie Monet Odom, Brighton Lynn Thompson and one grandson, Nolan Randolph Thompson. Survived by four sisters, Mary Ann Bryant, Emily Odom Honeycutt and husband Billy; Anna Bess Kelley and husband Joe; Betty Sue Broussard and husband Donald. Sisters-in-law, Betsy Randolph; Linda Chaney and husband Pat; Mary Randolph and Judy Calmes. One brother-in-law, Billy Randolph and wife Betty. He is also survived by his very special friend, who is like a daughter, Mariah Phares Blackwell. Preceded in death by his mother, Mary Traylor Odom and father, Robert Fulton Odom, Sr. Bob Odom was born in Haynesville, Louisiana, and spent his entire life service to our state and nation. He grew up on a 1,000-acre cotton and dairy farm. He was first elected Commissioner of Agriculture in 1979 and served until 2008, an unprecedented seven consecutive terms. He was a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University in Animal Science and of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. Commissioned a company commander with the U.S. Marine Corps and retired as Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1980. He had been with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry since 1960 working his way through various roles of responsibility prior to his election as Commissioner. Odom was committed to service of the American farmers and citizens understanding that the access to food and fiber are not only life preserving, but the foundation of our state and nation. Traveling throughout the world to promote Louisiana agriculture, flying himself at the drop of a hat to further the economic development of our state. Hundreds of thousands of people throughout the state grew up with the ""Bob Odom"" jingle before they ever met the man. He was a leader of the school system and his home church. He chaired the building committee at Zachary First Baptist and led a community renovation of the high school football field, but perhaps no endeavor will be as long lasting as working with the legislators and community leaders for the state and federal authorization for the creation of the Zachary Community school system. While he was particularly honored by the USDA Secretary in 1970, the Louisiana Legislature in 1976, Progressive Farmer 1996 Man of the Year and he was recognized for his leadership and commitment to people he was honored by more communities, towns and cities, boards, commissions, and organizations and walked in more fair and festival parades and across more fields than could be counted but mostly, he felt honored to be able to serve and to use his leadership skills to help anyone who asked. He served as president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), the Southern US Trade Assn and the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture. He served on many board and commissions representing agriculture, and was involved with many agricultural groups including the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, Louisiana Cattlemen's Association, the American Sugar Cane League and the Southern and LSU Ag Centers. Visitation Monday, May 19, 2014 at Zachary First Baptist Church from 5:00-8:00 p.m. resuming Tuesday, May 20 at Zachary First Baptist Church from 10:00 until services at 2:00 p.m. and celebrated by Dr. Wayne Barnes. Burial will follow at Beulah Plains Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers are Billy Honeycutt, Joe Kelley, Donald Broussard, Billy Randolph, Pat Chaney, Willie Bryant, Bill Honeycutt, Bob Honeycutt, Blayne Honeycutt, Blair Honeycutt, Shane Dawson, David Dawson, Neal Fudge, Wayne Fudge, Wade Randolph III, John Randolph, Mark Randolph, Bryce Barrilleaux, Paul Raymond, Special Pallbearers are Randal Johnson, Melanie Barnett, Michelle Ribera, Debbie Barrilleaux, Danny McCartney, Kendall Theunissen, Richard Herrin, David Stilley, Johnny Brown, Matthew Keppinger, Mike Kovac, Pete Broussard, Bill Boudreaux, Mark Hensgens, Jack Hatcher, Lonny Myles, Jerry Boudreaux, Dr. Donald Hines, Joe Salter, Francis Thompson, Ray Young, Johnny LeTard, Everett Mayo, J.W. Bennett, Greg McDougall, Lemmie Walker, John Compton, Fred Burkett, James Maholmes, Bill Pizzalato, Henry Baxter, Jim Gelpi, Greg Carroll, Bruce Williams, and Officer Terry Coates. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Kemp Amacker, Dr. Gerald Callegan, Dr. Carl Luikart and St. Joseph Hospice. Share sympathies, memories, and condolences at www.CharletFuneralHome.com.

Published by The Advocate from May 17 to May 20, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Odom

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Millie, I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your famil

Susan Boothe Johnson

May 25, 2014

Farewell to the best Boss anyone could have. He was kind and generous to his employees. My prayers and thoughts are with the family and all who loved him. We miss him a lot.

Barbara Thrasher

May 22, 2014

Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family during this very sad time. Mr. Bob was always a kind man who did great things in his life. Love,

D'Ette and Jamie Ducote

May 21, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of great loss. May GOD comfort you in the days ahead.

Mark Hurst

May 20, 2014

To Millie and Bob's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bob was always the light in the room wherever he went. I had the pleasure of getting to know Bob through NASDA and came to respect his advice and counsel on all things agricultural. I have many fond memories of his ever present smile, of long, late night meetings with Bob, and of spur-of-the-moment plane trips to Washington DC to meet with the US Secretary of Agriculture and Members of Congress! Bob was a good man. May he rest in peace.

Roger and Anita Johnson

May 20, 2014

to the Odom Family: our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I had the honor of working with Bob when I was a new Agriculture Director in Montana in the 1980's;as Arizona Director of Agriculture in the early 1990's and as the Administrator of the FSA/USDA in the late 1990's. I considered him my mentor and more importantly my friend. He was truly the "Gold Standard" for integrity and fairness on all things related to Agriculture...yet such a down to earth person.

Keith & Norma Jean Kelly

May 20, 2014

Dear Bob Odom family:
I had the pleasure of getting to know Bob through his membership and participation in the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture. He was a great among greats and the type that person that people will lament "they don't make them like him anymore". Lets hope it isn't true because the world will always need men like Bob Odom. He was a dedicated public servant. I never saw him when he wasn't wheeling, dealing, planning, and organizing to help the farmers and citizens of Louisiana. He was inspiring to watch in action and I consider it was a privilege to have had the opportunity to meet him.
God bless you all.
Pat McMillan

Pat McMillan

May 20, 2014

Millie, Vernon and I are so sorry to hear about Bob. Our prayers are with all of you. Love you Millie

Vernon and Jamie Kirby

May 19, 2014

To the Odom family, The Department of Agriculture was my first place of employment and I worked for the State for 20 years. Mr. Odom was like a father to everyone. He was a fair and caring boss. He always had an encouraging word for you when he greeted you. I also had many fun times with Jenelle Sutton, my coworked, Lemmie Walker, Wayne Guilbeau, Fred Burkette, Pete Broussard and so many people I will never forget. Millie always had a smile for you. You have our condolences and sympathy. JoAnn, Elias and Beau Ackal

Jo Ann Ackal

May 19, 2014

Millie, Robb and Ashley,
May God grant Bob eternal rest and peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Our family has been so blessed to be apart of your lives as well. I wish I could be there with you all. Bob was a Great Man and a true Leader for Louisiana.

John H. Broussard

May 19, 2014

Thanks for sharing Mr Odom with us for all the years at Agriculture & Forestry. I will forever hold those times special in my heart. "But for Agriculture" was his way of life. My heart is filled with sorrow; but I also rejoice, knowing that he no longer has to suffer. My prayers are with you, Mrs. Millie, and your entire family.

Donna Stewart

May 19, 2014

The Southeastern Alumni Association is proud to have had Mr. Bob Odom as one of our graduates at Southeastern and had the privilege of recognizing him as one of our outstanding Alumnus of the Years. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family.

Kathy Pittman, Director

May 19, 2014

Miss Millie, Rob, Ashley and family:
I was extremely saddened to hear about Mr. Odom's passing. I worked for him the entire 28 years he was Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry. He was always good to me and other employees. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

May 19, 2014

Mrs. Millie, I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Bob. What an amazing man. Our family loves you all so much and we have you in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you.

Shannon Phares

May 19, 2014

May Mr. Odoms family find peace & faith knowing that their love one is in God's hands being granted his wings to fly to heaven. He truly was an honorable loyal friend to my father, Robert Maronneaux Sr. & our family at our time of loss. Family, friends, & public servant has Mr. Odoms name written all over these. May his family find strength, peace, & faith through these difficault times I pray. Amen!

May 19, 2014

May Mr. Odom rest in peace. He was a champion for the agriculture industry as a whole and Louisiana in particular. His support for youth leadership in various agriculture programs are part of his lasting legacy.

Paul Theriot

May 19, 2014

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Kacy Forbes

May 19, 2014

Mrs. Millie, what an honor it has been to have known you and Mr. Bob. It was always a pleasure seeing him at Alex Box to watch his Tigers play baseball. He will always be remembered and hopefully I will see you again at the game he loved so much. My heart goes out to you and know that God will give you the peace and comfort you need in this day and the days to come.
Love you!

Carolyn Cormier

May 19, 2014

Millie and Family, I am sorry to hear of Commissioner Odom's passing but remember always that he is enjoying being with Jesus now. I loved working for him and knew him as a great leader for Louisiana agriculture and forestry. He always cared about his employees and the department.

Bryce Malone

May 18, 2014

Millie, I love you and Bob very much. My heart is broken in the loss of such a precious man, but I rejoice with him that his battle is finally over and he is HOME.I am grateful God brought you all into my life. I love you. Mary

Mary Herget

May 18, 2014

Dear Millie and family, I am so saddened by Bob's death, however I know how he
struggled the last years and now is at peace, and hope you, Millie, in time will be bleassed knowing he is in a better place. I have moved to FLA
and will not be able to make the funeral, but will visit with you when I
go home. Just know you and your family
are in my deepest prayers,and my heart weighs heavy over your huge loss! I will NEVER forget how supportive you were to me when Randy was so sick, and I love you for that too. May God bless you all, all my love, Jane

Jane Randolph Noble

May 18, 2014

Millie,
I am sorry to hear about Bob. He was a special friend to many. My thoughts and prayers are with you,Ashley,Rob and your family.
Pam Cavin Thompson

May 18, 2014

Millie and family, I'm so deeply
Saddened by Bob's death,
However I know he really struggled these last years and is now at peace, and hopefully
In time you will wiil be blessed
In knowing he is in a Better place. I've loved you both so,
And will never forget your kindness and support you gave
Me while Randy was so sick!
I moved to Santa Rosa Beach
1st of May, unfortunately I can't make the funeral, but will get
With you when I'm back in town
Just know you all are in my deepest prayers, and my heart
Is heavy with sadness ! Bob
Was a WONDERFUL MAN! I love you, Jane

Jane Randolph Noble

May 18, 2014

To The Odom Family,
We are sorry to hear of Mr. Odom's death. I believe that Mr. Odom did more for the state of Louisiana than any other elected official. He was a hard working man and I'm glad that my husband had the honor of working for him. May God wrap his arms around each of you at this difficult time and help to heal your broken hearts. We have lost a friend and a great leader. Bless you all.

Connie and Randy Rogers

May 18, 2014

Millie, Emily & Anna Bess: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this sad time. I have fond memories of Bob from my youth growing up in West Feliciana Parish and visiting your home at Angola with Ray Dreher. As the football team mascot at SFHS I remember Bob as being a fierce competitor both on and off the field; but yet gentle and fair, traits that he carried forward in his personal and professional life. Bob Odom was an outstanding public servant of which there are few and he knew who he was and his purpose to serve. Millie,our days at BHS and LSU seem like yesterday. I know that you and Bob shared a wonderful life together. God Bless.

Bobby Coxe

May 18, 2014

Miss Millie, Robb and Ashley,

We mourn with you and are deeply saddened. May His Angels, guide you, uphold you, keep you and surround you today and in the days and weeks to come.

We love you!

Danny and Meg

Meg McCartney

May 18, 2014

Stephanie Lewis

May 18, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jeffrey Hewes

May 18, 2014

Rob sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. You and your family are in myself and Lisa's prayers.

Rafe Cupit

May 18, 2014

God Bless/RIP,to ALL who served.Thank You for your service,Ret,Lt.Col.Odom,Sir..Semper Fi.

Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC

May 17, 2014

Rotha Mills Cook

Rotha Mills Cook

May 17, 2014

OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY IN THEIR TIME OF LOSS. THANKS MR. BOB FOR SERVING OUR STATE FOR SO MANY YEARS. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

JOHNNY HONEY

May 17, 2014

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