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This Book of Memories memorial website is designed to be a permanent tribute paying tribute to the life and memory of Stephen Odem. It allows family and friends a place to re-visit, interact with each other, share and enhance this tribute for future generations. We are both pleased and proud to provide the Book of Memories to the families of our community.

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Obituary for Stephen Phillip Odem

Stephen Phillip  Odem
Stephen Phillip Odem, 59, Springfield, passed away on December 8, 2013.

He was born on October 1, 1954 in Fort Eustis, Virginia to James Richard and Gloria Jeanne (Sharp) Odem.

Steve was our brother who tried to always look on the bright side. At eleven years old he was hit by a drunk driver and it was truly a miracle that he lived to be 59 years old. He struggled, but learned to walk and talk again, then went on to graduate high school in Independence Mo. Ironically he was hit twice more during his life by cars. Steve and his girlfriend, Connie, were stopped by the police for driving their wheel chairs down Glenstone, headed to Red Lobster, due to no sidewalks. The police officer told Steve he was concerned that he might be hit by a car. Steve laughed and said "well it wouldn't be the first time". After this story was shared by the Springfield News Leader, sidewalks were added to Glenstone. Steve is remembered as a kind hearted, smart, disabled person who loved Cardinals Baseball, fishing, and NASCAR. Today he has legs that work and is dancing in heaven. Rest in Peace, Brother.

Stephen was preceded in death by his father, grandparents, and nephew.

He is survived by his mother; sisters, Audrey Harris, and her husband Larry, Nancy Trapp, and her husband Jerry, Lynette McBratney, and her husband Clarke, Teresa Odem, and Coleen Lamb, and her husband Jeff; longtime girlfriend, Connie Cole; and many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday December 17, 2013 at Northside Assembly Of God. 2310 N. Campbell Ave, Springfield MO. 65803.

The following poem really applied to Stephen’s life here on earth…

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered, “Come with me.” With tearful eyes we watched you suffer and saw you fade away. Although we couldn’t bear to lose you, we could not ask you to stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands laid to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.
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