John Dowling Odom, 81, a native of Point Clear, Alabama and longtime resident of Newton County, Texas, passed away on July 28, 2023, peacefully at home with his family by his side. John ran to the arms of Jesus after a long battle with lung cancer. He was born June 15, 1942, in Atmore, Alabama to Joseph and Alice Odom. John was a business owner in Bon Wier where he operated John’s Welding and had previously operated John’s Trucking and Logging. He was a brilliant and creative welder who could fix or create anything. John was very proud of his welding shop and was a giving person to his community. He and his friends would meet daily at the nearby coffee shop where they would talk about anything and everything. John’s hobbies included restoring vintage and antique vehicles. He always had a side project going. John was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Syree Odom and Alice Anderson Odom; sister, Louise Lambert; brothers, Joe Odom, James Odom, Ray Odom; and great granddaughter, Lillian Grace Dixson. John is survived by his wife, Evelyn, of 54 years, and daughters, Brenda Dixson (Joe) of Newton, Texas, and Lisa Vaughan (Lee) of Carrollton, Texas; sister, Viola Gafford of Lucedale, Mississippi; and brother, Bill Odom of Bay Minette, Alabama; grandchildren, Joseph Dixson (Heather), Johnathan Dixson, Anna Wilkerson (Noah), Alex Vaughan, and Hayley Palvadeau (Stuart); 8 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service was held for John at Ford Cemetery in Newton Monday, July 31, at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the John Odom Scholarship Fund (3812 Creekside Ln, Carrollton, TX 75010) to help a student who would like to attend a welding trade school. Services are held under the direction of Riley Funeral Home, Woodville, Texas.
