Ralph T. Odle

Ralph T. Odle, age 97 of West Lafayette, IN, passed away on Saturday July 31, 2021 at his daughter’s residence.

Ralph was born on August 26, 1923 in Williamsport, IN. He was the son of Jenny C. (Potter) and Arthur C. Odle. Ralph was a 1941 graduate of Williamsport High School where he enjoyed playing the Tuba in a High School German Band. He was also a Cheer Leader. He married Ella L. Smith on March 10, 1946, and she preceded him in death on Oct. 8, 2009.Ralph and Ella lived in various Warren County residences, then Brookston and Lafayette area. Ralph spent the last 10 years in West Lafayette, Friendship House apartments.

Ralph's greatest love in his youth was country life on the family farm in Warren County. He worked in Sales Management for various agri-businesses in IN, IL, and OH. He retired from Purdue University Owen Hall having worked there from 1971 to 1988.

Ralph was a proud United States Marine from 1943 until 1946 during World War II, having served in the Pacific Arena. He earned three Bronze Battle Stars for action in the Marshall Islands and Okinawa. He loved to write and his family and friends most cherished writing was of his military experience in his book: "A Kid Called Ralph". He was a member of the Williamsport United Methodist Church and their Youth Director until he enlisted for service to his country at age 17. Ralph was a member of the American Legion Post 11 at Lafayette, IN and was a Life Member of Fountain-Warren County V.F.W. Post 3318, at Attica, IN. 

Ralph is survived by: daughter Linda J. Kelly, son F. Darrell (Duffy) Odle and wife Jackie, son Leslie D. Odle and wife MeChong. Grandchildren: Christine Kinslow, Royce Odle, Bradley Odle, Matthew Odle, Ronnie Odle and Kimberly Peters. Great Grandchildren: Makayla Keyes and Max Serafin Odle. Sister Janiece Lambert. Preceded in death by parents: Jennie and Arthur Odle, Siblings: Raymond, Estel, Elbert, Stanley, Luther, and Lillian, Grandson: Jason Keyes.

Visitation will be held at Grady Funeral Home in Williamsport on Sunday, August 8, 2021 from noon until service time at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Charles B. Anderson officiating. Interment will follow Highland Cemetery with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Warren County Community Foundation.