William Jeffrey “Jeff” O’Dell, 64, passed away December 30, 2016 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS. He was the son of William Jesse and Virginia Mae Samuelson O’Dell. Jeff was born May 11, 1952 at the base hospital in Newport, RI where his father served in the U.S. Navy.
Jeff graduated from Paola High School in 1970. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Kansas State University in 1974 and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Emporia State University in 1984.
In 1975 he started as an overnight DJ at KVOE. He later became news director for KVOE, AM & FM and KFFX and worked there until 2012. He loved news and the people he met in his work.
Jeff was past state president of ANBK (Association of News Broadcasters of Kansas). He also served as Board President for the Associated Press of Kansas and Missouri. He was liked because he “got things done” without numerous meetings. He won numerous awards from the Associated Press and ANBK in many categories. He also served on the Board of the Lyon County Historical Society and had been a member of Rotary Club. He received the Silent Rotarian Award for his outstanding public service.
Jeff was confirmed as a Lutheran and he attended Life Church in Emporia. He was passionate about trains and loved historic preservation.
He is survived by a sister, Dianne O’Dell, of Topeka, and Marilyn Summers, an aunt from Excelsior Springs, MO. He is also survived by his significant other, Sally Conard of Emporia and her children Richard (Niki) Conard and Jennifer (Rick) Baldwin. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be given in Jeffrey’s name to Emporia Public Library. Donations may be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, KS 66801.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First Congregation Church on January 14, 2017 at 11:00 am. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of W. Jeff O'Dell, please visit our flower store.
Jeff graduated from Paola High School in 1970. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Kansas State University in 1974 and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Emporia State University in 1984.
In 1975 he started as an overnight DJ at KVOE. He later became news director for KVOE, AM & FM and KFFX and worked there until 2012. He loved news and the people he met in his work.
Jeff was past state president of ANBK (Association of News Broadcasters of Kansas). He also served as Board President for the Associated Press of Kansas and Missouri. He was liked because he “got things done” without numerous meetings. He won numerous awards from the Associated Press and ANBK in many categories. He also served on the Board of the Lyon County Historical Society and had been a member of Rotary Club. He received the Silent Rotarian Award for his outstanding public service.
Jeff was confirmed as a Lutheran and he attended Life Church in Emporia. He was passionate about trains and loved historic preservation.
He is survived by a sister, Dianne O’Dell, of Topeka, and Marilyn Summers, an aunt from Excelsior Springs, MO. He is also survived by his significant other, Sally Conard of Emporia and her children Richard (Niki) Conard and Jennifer (Rick) Baldwin. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be given in Jeffrey’s name to Emporia Public Library. Donations may be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, KS 66801.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First Congregation Church on January 14, 2017 at 11:00 am. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of W. Jeff O'Dell, please visit our flower store.
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