Odis Largen of Owens Cross Roads, AL. was born on July 14th, 1945. He took his last breath here on earth peacefully surrounded by his children on December 6th, 2025.
He grew up in New Hope, AL. where he attended New Hope High School. He spent many memorable years raising his family on Grant Mountain. He then moved to Owens Cross Roads, AL. where he and Shirley built a home and enjoyed their neighbors and community. They attended Grassy Mountain Holiness Church and Clouds Cove Holiness Church. They loved their neighbors, friends, family, and their church family.
Odis is preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Daisy Payton-Largen; sisters, Wilma Gene and Brenda; brothers, Atlas, Marvin and Billy, and his precious wife, Shirely Jane Largen.
He is survived by his daughter, Tammy Largen; son, Todd (Deb) Largen; grandchildren, Taylor Largen, Grant Largen, and Addison Largen; brother, Merlon (Tenien) Largen; sister, Carolyn, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and River & Lily his two faithful grand doggies.
The family would like to extend our deepest thanks to all the medical staff & care teams at Redstone Grandview Gardens, Huntsville Hospital, Cherokee Health & Rehab, Rome Floyd Atrium Hospital, and Heyman Hospice. Each of these teams showered our Dad with love and relentless care.
As per our Dad’s request, a graveside service will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. at Hayden Cemetery, with Bro. Wayne Walls and Bro. Chris Clark officiating. Please dress comfortably and warm. Dad’s favorite attire included a button down and blue jeans. If you desire, it would warm our hearts to see you in blue jeans or blue jean skirts. Also know that our Dad would not want anyone to feel obligated to attend if they are under the weather or dread the chilly air.
In lieu of flowers & in honor of our Dad, please consider making a donation to the Patriot Pantry. A program that ensures that children at DAR have food when needed.
Give to KDS DAR School
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/kdsdarschool/
Our Walking Warrior – (A tribute to our Dad)
There wasn’t a trail or a road too far that our Dad wouldn’t walk or travel.
It could be dirt, winding, a blacktop or good old country gravel.
He loved to be outdoors in the fresh air walking at a hurried pace.
Knowing that his time on earth was limited he was diligent and focused on his assigned race.
He was born to work hard having been raised on a farm.
You could see the evidence in both his working hands and loving strong and often bruised arms.
He married Shirley, the love of his life, before he was even twenty-five.
They had a son Todd and daughter Tammy who were the joy of their lives.
He beamed when he talked about his grandchildren as he called out their names.
Taylor, Addison and Grant could do no wrong and they were more valuable to him than any amount of money or fame.
He was thankful that Todd had met Deb and made her his wife.
He was so proud for him as he knew that family was everything and that having his own children would result in a beautiful and very full life.
Dad enjoyed discussing the news of the day and the Bible with David when they would occasionally meet.
They bonded over David’s good food and during Dad’s illness David showed up to help and lovingly wash his feet.
An amazing Provider and Protector he was indeed.
He worked for HSV Utilities, the Army and NASA to provide for us and come summer time he would head to the garden to plant and harvest many a seed.
We wanted for nothing and were raised to love our country and thank the good Lord above.
We were blessed with amazing parents who we admired so much and continue to deeply love.
Our Dad loved to attend church with his sister Carolyn to hear the sound of gospel singing and the good Lord’s amazing word.
He loved spending time with his brothers and sisters and would get excited when walking and seeing a beautiful scene or a lovely redbird.
He would often ride the roads in that old pickup truck.
Head to the barn on Grant Mountain to find his brother Merlon…..with any luck.
They would gather to chat as they sipped coffee in their swings.
Recalling memories discussing family, life, and their favorite things.
Dad’s favorite song was: “Thank you Lord….for your blessings on me”
He realized that he was blessed with food on his table, a roof above him and a fine family.
He loved his family & neighbors and would give you the shirt off his back.
He would offer to wire your house or give you money to ensure you were comfortable and didn’t lack.
His heart was forever broken when our sweet Momma passed away.
He faithfully visited her graveside to honor her….and until his own illness struck he didn’t miss a single day.
He fought the good fight, he kept the faith, and he walked and walked until he could no longer stand.
We will continue to love and honor our Mom and Dad until we all meet again.
Our walking warrior he will forever be.
He can now rest in peace beside our Mother and to him we say: “Fly Dad Fly…..you are now Healed and Free!”
