Kenneth Earl Odum

August 25, 1938 - October 24, 2018

Kenneth Earl Odum, age 80, of Marion, IL, passed away peacefully at 5:43 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at his home. He was born on Thursday, August 25, 1938, in Marion, the son of Oral Thomas and Violett Evelyn (Smith) Odum. Kenneth attended school in Marion and was a graduate of Marion High School Class of 1956. After graduation he continued his education by attending Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, IL majoring in History. He began his long career in dance, teaching with his sister Coralee for many years. Together they danced in many musical productions in the area. Later he began teaching dance on his own and owned and operated the Ken Odum Dance Art Center in Marion for more than 50 years until he retired about 10 years ago. Ken was an exceptional choreographer and created many musicals that were presented in the area and when he was younger attended musicals in many major cities. Kenneth was of the Presbyterian faith. In his spare time he enjoyed walking his Saluki dog “Pookie”, was a master of crossword puzzles, has watched almost every episode of the television show Jeopardy and could answer every question, enjoyed watching foreign language films, was an avid reader and spending time visiting with family and friends. The many memories that have been created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his sister, Coralee Gulledge and her fiancé Tom Miller both of Marion; four nieces, Lori Fox and her fiancé Keith Barnes both of Bowling Green, KY, Lynn Baber and her husband Greg of Monmouth, IL, Lisa Potts and her husband Brent of St. Peters, MO and Teresa Dawkins and her companion Robert Bullington both of Marion, several great nieces and great nephews, other extended family; special friend, Beth Butler of Marion and many other friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gary Odum. Arrangements were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL. The graveside committal service was at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 17, 2018, in Odd Fellows Cemetery, located just north of Marion, with Rev. Ken Sharp presiding. Comments of memory were also presented by Kenneth’s niece Lisa Potts. Brent Potts, husband of Kenneth’s niece Lisa, presented the musical selection “In the Garden”. Following the committal service the family and friends gathered at Bennies Italian Restaurant in Marion for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to either or both; “St. Francis Care Animal Shelter” and/or “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. For more information please call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.