Odell Eastham
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 12:30 P.M.
Odell Eastham, age 88 of Somerset, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Paul E. Patton Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
He was born on November 18, 1934 in Jamestown, Kentucky to Vernon and Ovelene Stephens Eastham.
He attended Lindsey Wilson College, Western Kentucky University, UK Law School and Campbellsville University. He held a degree in teaching, psychology, history, MSW and counseling. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Navy and served on the USS Howard G. Gilmore. Odell continued his civic duties as a member of Somerset Lions Club, Vietnam Veterans, Pulaski Rescue Squad and Boy Scouts. He was a man of strong faith and attended First United Methodist Church and was an active member of Methodist Men. Odell started his professional career teaching at Louisville and Somerset High School. Lake Cumberland and his love for boating brought Odell and his wife Linda to Somerset in 1971. He served as Unit Director at Oakwood for 16 years. He then went on to assist in opening the Psychiatric facility in Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital and ended his professional career at the Adanta Group Franks Place treating Veterans with PTSD and other disorders.
Odell is survived and missed by his wife Linda, of 52 years; and his children, Derek (Andrea) Eastham and Kristen (Joe) Lyons. His memory lives on by his three grandchildren, Ashtyn (Nathan) Carter, Chase Eastham, Calli Eastham and two great-grandchildren, Weston Coffey and Nathalie Carter. He is forever cherished by his brother, Kuthbert Eastham and his sister Clemma Godbey.
Odell was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Ovelene Eastham, one sister-in-law, Vivian Eastham and brother-in-law Doyle Godbey.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Southern Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the Chapel of Southern Oaks Funeral Home with Brandon Patterson officiating. Burial will be in Mill Springs National Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post #38 Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Odell Eastham.