Darwin Max Odle

Darwin Max Odle, 86, of Grand Island, Neb., passed away Thursday, November 28, 2024, at his home with his son Bruce by his side. 

Graveside services will be on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 11 a.m. in Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Stockton. Pastor Ted Stapleton will officiate. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel. You are encouraged to sign Darwin’s guestbook at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under his obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.    

Darwin was born May 21, 1938, in Stockton, Kansas. He was the son of Elmer Ray and Ruby Hellen (Kenworthy) Odle.

Survivors of the immediate family include his daughters, Brenda Odle of Hays, Kim (Jerry) Terrell of Athal, Shannon and Gregory Olson of Phillipsburg; son, Bruce Odle of Grand Island, Neb.; a very good friend, Jo Ann “Squirt” Stainbrook of Grand Island, Neb; two brothers and sisters-in-law: Larry and Lana Odle of Stockton, and Bobby and Karen Odle of Glade. Others left to cherish his memory include his eight grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Darwin grew up in Stockton, graduating from high school there in 1956. He worked for Quenzer Appliance. He married Shirley Hrabe on July 4, 1957, in Stockton. This union was blessed with daughters, Brenda and Kim. Darwin worked for the Co-op Grain Elevator across Kansas and Nebraska for 35 years. He married Margaret Olson on June 3, 1967, in Morland, Kansas. This union was blessed with children, Shannon and Bruce. They moved to Grand Island in 1991. He worked five years for Country General, retiring from Wal-Mart after eight years in 2004. He also owned and operated, with his wife, Margaret, Buttonhook Carriage Works, restoring buggies and other horse-drawn equipment. Margaret died on August 11, 2013.

Darwin enjoyed building and restoring carriages, woodworking, and welding.  

He was a member of the Friendship Lodge #239 in Chapman, Neb., and was a past Shriner Clown.  

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Darwin is preceded in death by his parents, wife Margaret, and brothers and a sister-in-law, Donald Odle and Darrel and Nola Odle.