IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.

Michael O’Dell

A celebration of life reception for Michael S. “Digger” O’Dell, 70, Marion, who passed away Aug. 14, 2026, at NMC Health in Newton, will be 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2026, at Marion Country Club.

A graveside service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at Hillcrest Cemetery, Florence.

He was born April 20, 1956, in Florence, the eldest child of Delano F. and Barbara (Harbison) O’Dell.

He worked for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for more than 40 years, retiring as a bridge inspector.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Scott O’Dell and Dianne Burnett.

He is survived by his daughters, Erin (and her husband Shawn) Markley of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Caitlin (and her husband Jake) Adkins of St. George; his grandchildren, Ella, Lily, and Logan Markley and Reagan, Quinn, and Collins Adkins; the mother of his children, Jo Mueller of Marion; and a brother-in-law, Don Burnett of Marion. 

A memorial fund has been established with Quail Forever to benefit its youth lifetime hunting and fishing license program. Donations should be sent in care of Jost Funeral Home, Hillsboro.

Online condolences may be left at www.jostfuneralhome.com.