Mr. Lesley Eugene Oden, age 87, of Joppa, Alabama passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023 at St. Vincents’s Hospital in Birmingham, AL. He was born November 4, 1935. His parents were Orvile L. Oden and Myrle R. Welch Oden. Mr. Oden was a graduate of Jacksonville State University where he earned a degree in business and finance. He was a veteran of the US Army where he reached the rank of Major. He served his country from 9/57 to 11/72 and spent time in Ethopia, Vietnam and in Tehran, Iran. After his Army discharge, he continued to work for the federal government and eventually retired with 48 years of service. He took great pride in being able to serve his country through both military and civilian service.
Les married Carolyn Denton in 1957 and they had 3 sons, Buddy, Pat and Billie. They divorced in 1994.
Lesley loved life and lived it to its fullest. He grew up on a farm, and as most farmers have to do, he learned as a young man how to work and repair most things. He spent many hours repairing and tinkering on vehicles. And, of course, as a farmer he loved growing things and spent many hours gardening. Alabama football was a passion- Roll Tide! Not many could compete when it came to cheering on his favorite team. Lesley could also be considered a “Grill Master.” He took great pleasure and had tremendous pride in his accomplishments of cooking for his family. He was extremely proud of his family; he loved them deeply and supported them in every way. In November of 2002 Lesley married his forever love, Arlene R. Oden. Lesley was of the Baptist faith and was a member of New Salem Baptist Church.
Mr. Oden is survived by his wife, Arlene Oden; his sons, Lesley Howard “Buddy” Oden, Patrick A. Oden and Billie Dale Oden; grandchildren, Mary Howell (Jimmy), James Oden (Courtney), Blake Oden, Taylor K. Oden and Denton Oden; brothers, Garey Oden and Jerry Oden.
Mr. Oden is preceded in death by his parents, Orvile and Myrle Oden; brothers, David C. Oden, Billie H. Oden, and infant brother Johnathan Oden and infant grandson Christopher Oden.
A visitation is planned for Mr. Oden between the hours of 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. on April 4, 2023 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel in Arab, Alabama. Funeral services will be immediately after the visitation at 2:00 p.m. Brother Frankie Flack will be officiating. Interment will be in New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery in Somerville, Alabama.
Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing
