Tributes

Travis “Odie” O’Dell passed away on July 20, 2022, at the age of 47, in the City of Cheyenne, Wyoming. His battle with cancer, over the last four years he showed his strength and perseverance to fight for an amazing life and career. He was always ready with a quick funny off the wall comment to make you smile. Travis’s pain was severe, but he did not waiver with his antics providing the one finger salute when needed. He was larger than life, always willing to help and provided some of the best perceptive advice to anyone who would listen. Travis was born January 3rd, 1975, in Ventura, California. Not long after his family moved to Guernsey, Wyoming, which he called home. Travis enlisted into the United States Navy, June 15th, 1993, and would ship off to San Diego, California for bootcamp. He attended Aviation Structural Mechanic school in Millington, Tennessee where he met the love of his life Melissa and were married August 3rd, 1996. His twenty-four-year US Naval career was long and crossed multiple duty stations listed in chronological order: VS-31 Naval Air Station Cecil Field Jacksonville, Florida. While attending his first deployment he was aboard the USS George Washington CVN-73 on her maiden voyage. HS-1 Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. VP-45 Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. OMD Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, New Jersey. VP-45 Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. Naval Air Facility Misawa Air Base, Misawa Japan. VP-45 Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. VP-30 Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. Temporary Assignment Navy Operation Support Command Cheyenne, Wyoming (retirement). His immeasurable love and devotion to his family was profound along with his love of his country and the US Navy. Travis Wayne O’Dell retired from Active-Duty to Cheyenne, Wyoming on July 1st, 2017. After his retirement he began working as an Environmental Field Technician with TriHydro Corporation which he loved and enjoyed those he worked with. Travis had always been devoted to both work and family. He also excelled in everything he would set his mind to, on countless occasions Travis was instrumental in providing some of the best prudent advice and leadership to everyone he worked with and those whom he called friend. Travis is survived by his wife and best friend, Melissa O’Dell of Cheyenne Wyoming; Son, Wyatt O’Dell (Sydney) Anchorage, Alaska; Daughter, Samantha O’Dell of Cheyenne Wyoming; and his Grandson, Grayton O’Dell of Hudson Florida; his Aunt Ann Kissling (William) of Greenwood Indiana. He is preserved in the memory of all those lucky enough to spar with him. Travis Wayne O’Dell’s Celebration of Life will be August 5th at 10 am. It will be held at Wiederspahn- Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes 1900 E 19th St, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001, Responses of Rank and full Name would be appreciated for an accurate military member roll call prior to Colors. the reception will be at 2119 Van Lennen Ave, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 Dress code is happy colors and for all military, Prior and Current, if able please wear your working uniforms and all Chiefs wear your Khaki’s uniform. Travis doesn’t want to be mourned; he wants to be celebrated. Come bearing memories to share and in lieu of flowers please donate to the Kidney Cancer Association in Travis’s name at kidneycancer.org

Tributes

Travis W O'Dell

January 3, 1975 - July 20, 2022