Vernon L. Oden was born on August 31, 1928, to Lonnie and Annie Laura Oden in Eva, Alabama. He passed away on  June 7th, 2017.  Vernon graduated from Eva High School, class of 1947. He served in the 2nd Infantry Division of the Army from 1947- 1948, serving in Washington State and Alaska. Upon discharge from the Army, he was employed by Redstone Arsenal. He later worked for and retired from the Army Corps of Engineers as a contract specialist. He worked for Colsa International in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War. After that, he and Mary Clovis enjoyed traveling at home and abroad and enjoyed spending time with family.

Vernon was a long time member of Epworth United Methodist Church where he held several positions over the years. He volunteered at Tut Fann Veterans Home where he received their Volunteer of the Year Award in 2015.   Vernon loved the St. Louis Cardinals and travelled every year for over 20 years to St. Louis to see them play. He loved Lee High School and  Auburn basketball and enjoyed going to the SEC basketball tournament. Vernon was always on the go and loved life!  He believed in giving back to his church and community. He enjoyed being with his friends of many years, Bo Davis and Reek Wilson. He had a special caregiver, Teresa Beeler, who was a part of the family for over 8 years. Vernon was loved by all, and leaves a wonderful legacy of caring and giving to his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary Clovis McGlathery Oden; brother, Ralph Oden; and two sisters, Nelta Killian and Eunice Teague.

Vernon is survived by two daughters, Kathryn Leach, and husband Dr. Steve, and Melissa Sutton, and husband Paul; six grandchildren, Meredith McBrearty, and husband Lee, Emily Morris and husband Cameron, Steven Leach, and wife Haley, Jacob Sutton, and wife Samantha, Jan Mitchell, and husband Gabe, and Jill Hickman, and husband Josh; 10 great-grandchildren; and three nieces, Cindy Thornton, Nancy Dupree, and Sylvia  Teague.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Spry Funeral Home of Huntsville.  Funeral services will be Saturday, June 10th, at Epworth United Methodist Church. Visitation at 1:00, service to follow at 2:30 with Pastor Todd Noren-Hentz officiating.  Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Epworth United Methodist Church, 2102 Epworth Drive, Huntsville, AL 35811 or Hartselle Camp Meeting, P.O. Box 163, Hartselle, AL 35640.

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