Neil Graham Odenwald

1935 - 2021

Neil Graham Odenwald obituary, 1935-2021, Baton Rouge, LA

BORN

1935

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home - Baton Rouge

11817 Jefferson Highway

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Neil Odenwald Obituary

Neil Graham Odenwald, 85, of Baton Rouge passed away at his home on April 26, 2021. Neil was born on May 3, 1935, in Ruleville, Mississippi. He earned his undergraduate degree and Ph.D. in horticulture from Mississippi State University and his master's degree in landscape architecture from LSU. Neil's career began in the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. Neil was Professor Emeritus of landscape architecture at LSU and served as Director of the LSU Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture. He served as Chairman of Landscape Design Schools for the National Council of State Garden Clubs, as a consultant on the Time-Life plant materials publications, and was awarded the Medal of Honor from the Garden Clubs of America. His publications include Southern Plants, Plants for Designers, Live Oak Splendor, Attracting Birds to Southern Gardens, Plants for American Landscapes, and The Bountiful Flower Garden. He was a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects. He was instrumental in founding the Southern Garden Symposium, served as President of the John James Audubon Foundation, and was recently honored with the establishment of the Neil G. Odenwald Distinguished Professorship at LSU. Neil's restoration and preservation efforts can be seen in numerous historical gardens throughout the South including New Orleans Botanical Gardens, Afton Villa, Rosedown, LongVue, Bocage Plantation, and Biedenharn. Neil is survived by his wife, Rebekah Lemoine Odenwald, his sons Von (Jo-Lynn) and Jon (Sharon), his daughter Elisa (Kevin) Osborn, his grandchildren Emily (Kerry) Klein, Lauren, Grant, Anna, and Grace Odenwald, and Jason Osborn, his great-grandchild James Klein, his sister Ruth Claire Adair, his former wife Virginia Patsy Odenwald, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mable Odenwald, and his brothers Joseph (Jean) and Robert (Sylvia) Odenwald. Visitation will be held at University Baptist Church, 5775 Highland Road, on Thursday, April 29, 2021, from 6 until 8 p.m. and on Friday, April 30, 2021, from 10 until services at 11 a.m. Resthaven Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dr. Odenwald Professorship, LSU Foundation 3796 Nicholson Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.

Published by The Advocate from Apr. 27 to Apr. 30, 2021.
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Memories and Condolences
for Neil Odenwald

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Dr. Odenwald was such an awesome Professor of Landscape Architecture and one of my favorite LA Professors while at LSU (1980-85). He had such a passion for plants and to this day I still have the enthusiasm he shared with his students that he had for plant materials. It was from him that I first learned "leaves of three leave it be!" In my last year at LSU, Dr. Odenwald gave me a part-time job painting these big plywood picture stands. He created that opportunity for me to earn money and I will always remember that. He always displayed such an enthusiasm for landscape architecture and I still have his landscape plant materials book I bought back in 1982! Now it is more cherished that ever! God bless to Dr. Odenwald's family and I am sure Im not the only one who will forever cherish being a student in his plant materials class and the love and enthusiasm he had for plant materials. Well done Dr. O!! Darrell V. Oliver, BLA '85.

Darrell V. Oliver

School

July 30, 2023

Neil was my mother's, Merle Isabel Eastburn Benell, first cousin. We had been in touch over the past several years. I created a Cotner family book which he was most grateful for. Earlier this year I sent him a sugar & creamer set that was his grandmother's. He was a soft spoken, gentle soul. Neal will be missed and remembered. Paula Benell 928-379-9410.

Paula Benell

Family

December 11, 2021

May 8, 2021
Dr. Odenwald was my plant materials professor at LSU, as well as a classmate of my father, Thomas (Bert) Schnadelbach, at LSU. I am sorry to hear that he has passed away. He was an excellent professor, leader in the profession, and equally exemplary man, who loved his work and was liked by all. We send our sincere sympathy to friends and family.

Keith Schnadelbach (BLA 80)

Friend

May 8, 2021

To Rebecca & Odenwald family, my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband and dad. He truly left this world a more beautiful place.

Pam Bordelon

Acquaintance

May 1, 2021

If it wasn't for Neil's patience and guidance Linden Plantation in Vicksburg, MS would still be a jungle, instead of ten acres of gardens. He was born in Ruleville and my grandparents lived there. We laughed at the odds of two people with same connection even knew each other, much less ride in the same car together on his trips with me up here from Baton Rouge. Nothing but respect and love to my dear Neil. I know he's still supervising from above.

Joy Brabston

Friend

April 30, 2021

Jon,
I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. You and your family are in my prayers.

Tara Hebert

April 30, 2021

Von, your dad was a great man. Everyone in Landscape Architecture at LSU thought the world of him. So did so, so many people in Baton Rouge.

A classmate from long, long ago

April 30, 2021

Fond memories of a kind and generous friend.

William Griffin

Friend

April 29, 2021

I was blessed by the moments of counsel Neil and I shared. I am grateful for the enduring memories.

Dudley Fricke

Friend

April 29, 2021

Dr. O was one of my favorite professors while attending LSU.
I can still clearly hear his voice - the accent, the passion he had for teaching us plant materials. Even the weeds were “gorgeous”.
He was kind, gentle, and personal with us as students.
Prayers for his family during their time of grief. He will be greatly missed!

Lance Hendrix, BLA ‘94

Lance Hendrix

Friend

April 29, 2021

Dr. Odenwald's passion for plants was legendary. A shining example of loving what you do and sharing that contagious enthusiasm with others. We were so lucky to have him help us understand nature's beauty on a whole other level.

Max Brown
BLA 1990

Max Brown

Student

April 29, 2021

My mother, who returned to college for her master's in landscape architecture at the age of 60, took classes with Neil and over time they became friends and colleagues. She had so many lovely things to say about him -- and the many times I interacted with him he was beyond gracious as well as hilarious, including at my mother's memorial service. His entire family is in my thoughts -- the world is a little more dull without Neil in it.

Laurie Lynn Drummond

Friend

April 28, 2021

Such a generous loving soul, I will forever be his student. My heart is low, my mind is full of Dr O’s lessons and my hands execute his practice. I cherish and miss him dearly.

August G Schwartz

Student

April 28, 2021

I studied landscape planting under Dr. Odenwald's tutelage, 1991-93, and believe sincerely that everyone who knew Neil loved him. He was a great educator and a friend both to people AND to flora and fauna. Neil taught us to develop personal relationships with each plant species, and to make our environment welcoming for birds. I still smile every time I recall the first week of Plant Materials class, hearing his Mississippian pronunciation of Liriope!

Steve McLaughlin

Student

April 28, 2021

Neil meant so much to so many. His love of horticulture / landscape was an inspiration to all. I valued his friendship over many years. My thoughts and prayers are with the Odenwald family.

Allen Owings

Friend

April 28, 2021

This will be one of so many messages about how wonderful Dr. Odenwald was and how much he was loved. What he taught me and what I still know today was a true gift. He showed his love for God's creation and shared his knowledge in such wonderful ways. Dr. O will always hold a very special place in my heart and I know of so many others.

Beth Brignac Rolinski

Student

April 28, 2021

No kinder, gracious, talented, motivated teacher, artist, and mentor ever lived. The world is a far more beautiful place because Dr. Neil Odenwald lived in it.

Greg Grant

Student

April 27, 2021

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Memorial Events
for Neil Odenwald

Apr

29

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

University Baptist Church

5775 Highland Road, LA

Apr

30

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

University Baptist Church

5775 Highland Road, LA

Apr

30

Service

11:00 a.m.

University Baptist Church

5775 Highland Roa, LA

Funeral services provided by:

Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home - Baton Rouge

11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816

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