Ward Lane Odom

Ward Lane Odom of Martinsburg, WV passed away in his home on Thursday, December 23 while under the care of Hospice of the Eastern Panhandle. Ward was born on Friday morning, May 15, 1925 in the family farmhouse near Auburntown, TN. He attended Auburn High School, Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN and Samford University in Birmingham, AL. Ward saw combat duty in both WWII and the Korean War, while serving with the Navy. During WWII, he was in the Navy Amphibious Forces and was involved in the invasion of Guam while attached to the U.S. Marine Corps Third Division and the invasion of Okinawa while attached to the Tenth Army. He later served on the destroyer U.S.S. Borie (DD702). During the Korean war, he served aboard the Battleship U.S.S. New Jersey (BB62). He obtained the rank of Signalman First Class. He was later employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for over 40 years. He served the VA at two different hospitals in Memphis, TN; Durham, NC; Lake City, Fl; Tupper Lake, NY; Cheyenne, WY; and Martinsburg, WV.

Ward was preceded in death by his parents, Priscilla Overall Odom and Marshall Bazaine Odom, his loving wife of over 62 years, Ruth Black Odom and son Marshall Bentley (Benny) Odom. He is survived by his children Ward Keith Odom (Angie) of Brown's Valley, MN, Charles Craig Odom of Martinsburg, WV, Melinda Kay Odom Staubs (Tony) of Pawleys Island, SC and Cathy Odom Roberson (Jeff) of Pawleys Island, SC, nine grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Ward was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Martinsburg. He served as a Sunday school teacher for many years, and also served as the Director of Sunday School.

Ward was active over the years in the Kiwanis, Elks and Moose Clubs. He was also a life member of the VFW and the American Legion. Ward had two favorite hobbies. He enjoyed golf and playing his pedal steel guitar to classic country music. Ward had a great sense of humor and would smile at and agree with his immediate family's contention that he was woefully devoid of proficiency in both endeavors.

Note: the reference above to Ward's top 2 hobbies shown above were written by Ward himself shortly before he died.

Ward will be buried next to his wife, Ruth and his son, Marshall, in Auburntown, TN at a private graveside ceremony.

Arrangements made by Brown Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Eastern Panhandle.

Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com