Darrell Wayne Odell

Darrell “Wayne” Odell, 74, of Fredonia, Kansas, passed away with family at his side on December 18, 2020. Wayne was born March 28, 1946, to Eugene Richard and Verna Mae (Wescott) Odell in Neodesha, Kansas. In 1964, Wayne graduated from Fredonia High School. He attended Baker University on a football and basketball scholarship and was an active member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. In 1968 he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a specialty in physical education and health.

Wayne married his college sweetheart Carole Funkhouser on June 29, 1968, at St. John’s Methodist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Upon graduating from college, both accepted teaching jobs in Wilson County and moved to Wayne’s hometown. Carole survives at their home in Fredonia. Wayne was respected and loved by his students as a physical education and health instructor at Fredonia USD #484 for 32 years. Wayne served as a middle school/high school coach in boys’ football, basketball, and golf. After retirement in 2000 Wayne continued working for the school district as a bus driver for 8 years.

Wayne had a successful coaching career highlighted by a State Football Championship in 1983 as defensive coordinator under head coach Gene John. Wayne was known for his unique coaching style which consisted of leadership, directness, and respect which motivated and inspired his players to give their all. He strived to not only teach athletes the skills of the sport but life skills for them to use after high school. His students and athletes will remember him for being an honest, humble, and upfront man with an infectious smile and friendliness to all.

Wayne enjoyed coaching, raising cattle, hunting, golfing, drinking coffee with his friends at the Western Diner, and watching television westerns. He was very proud of establishing the DWO Ranch as a way to provide for his family. Wayne enjoyed his daily trips to the ranch, checking on his cattle and managing the operation with his son, Darrell. His love for sports continued as a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas Jayhawk basketball team, and the Kansas City Royals. However, he was the biggest fan of his children and grandchildren watching them participate in their respective sports.

Wayne was a member of the Fredonia First United Methodist Church, Kansas Livestock Association, and was an active Baker University Delta Tau Delta alumni.

In addition to his wife Carole, Wayne is survived by his daughter, Melissa (Fred) Fahrenbruch, Statham, Georgia; son, Darrell (Heather) Odell, Jr., Fredonia, Kansas; brothers, Orrin (Loretta) Odell, Fredonia, Kansas, and Ronald (Lori) Odell, Rogers, Arkansas; grandchildren Carter, Cooper, and Campbell Odell, Fredonia, Kansas.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 22, 2020, at Wickham Family Funeral Home. There will be a private family service on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at the funeral home. Graveside services will be open to the public at 3:00 pm at the Fredonia City Cemetery. It is requested by the family that wearing of masks and social distancing be observed.

The family has established a Wayne Odell Memorial Scholarship that will be awarded to a graduating Fredonia High School senior. Memorial donations may be mailed to or left at Wickham Family Funeral Home, 510 North 7th St., Fredonia, Kansas, 66736.