Francis Darrell "Duffy" Odle

On June 20th, 2023, as the gospel song, “When We All Get to Heaven” was playing, Duffy went to be with the Lord, surrounded by family and close friends at home.  

Francis Darrell “Duffy” Odle was born April 25, 1948 in Danville, Illinois to Ralph T. and Ella L. (Smith) Odle.

Duffy moved with his family in the late 1950s to Brookston. He attend Brookston schools. He graduated in 1966 as a member of the first class of Frontier High School. In 1966 Duffy began his studies at Indiana University.

In 1968 Duffy married his soulmate Jacqueline K. Keys - Jackie. In 1970 Duffy graduated from Indiana University with a Batchelor of Science degree in Business Management. At the same time Duffy was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force with a slot to attend Pilot Training.

In November of 1970 Duffy and Jackie began a 20 year career in the Air Force by attending Pilot Training at Columbus, Mississippi. Completing his training in 1971, Duffy was assigned to his first choice of aircraft, the C-141 Starlifter. Over the ensuing years, Duffy flew thousands of routine and specialized missions all around the world, including 32 combat sorties in Vietnam. In 1983 Duffy completed a Master of Arts degree in Management from Webster University in Saint Louis Mo. During his final assignment in the Air Force Duffy was qualified in the C-141 and in the T-39 aircraft at the same time, making him one of fewer than 5% of Air Force pilots to maintain qualification in multiple aircraft. When Duffy retired, he was the Air Force Systems Command’s Chief Pilot for both aircraft.

After retiring from the Air Force, Duffy continued his aviation career as a pilot for United Air Lines. Where he flew six different aircraft types in both international and domestic flights.

After retiring from United Air Lines, Duffy and Jackie enjoyed traveling around on the back roads of the country. Visiting their sons. Watching their grand son at swim meets or playing soccer. And spending time at the ocean or in the mountains.

Duffy is survived by his soulmate Jackie, his sons Royce (West Lafayette IN), Bradley (Cincinnati, OH), Matthew wife Karolina grandson Max (Bloomington IN), sister Linda Kelly (Lafayette IN), sister-in law Mechong Odle (Indianapolis IN), sister-in-law Sharon Poindexter (Fowler IN), sister-in-law Carolyn Laffoon (Ruskin FL),  brother-in-law Calvin Keys wife Maow (Lambertville MI), and loving nieces and nephews.  

Duffy is predeceased by his parents, his younger brother Leslie Dean Odle and brother-in-law Rex (Spike) Keys Jr. 

Visitation will be at Grady Funeral Home in Williamsport on Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Brian Beeks officiating of Monticello United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery in Williamsport. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gradyfuneralhome.com.