ODETTE, FRED

Fred Odette, age 87, of Flint, died Friday, January 25, 2008 at McLaren Regional Medical Center. Mr. Odette was born October 12, 1920 in Bay City, Michigan, the son of Owen and Josephine Odette. Fred served his country during W.W.II in the U.S. Marines with Edson’s Raiders, 1st Battalion, Company B in the Pacific Theater. He was wounded in battle, receiving hip, face and neck wounds and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was discharged from the Marines in October 1945 and was a member of D.A.V. Fred was passionate about his military service, talking to everyone who would listen. He loved his country and was honored to have fought to defend her. Fred created scrapbooks to give to libraries in order that others would know about the war he fought in. He worked his entire career with the U.S. Post Office. On December 22, 1950 Fred married Jean Wilson and she survives him. Fred and Jean loved to travel. Fred also loved soft ball, bowling and euchre. Also left to cherish his memory are his nieces and nephews, James (Sharon) Odette, Steven (Karen) Odette, Bob Lastkey, Georgia (Manuel) Gonzales, Robin Hurtado, Robert (Elizabeth) Wilson, Joseph Bonnain, Marcy (Lynn) Kulp, Lucien Bonnain, Roberta Bonnain; several great-nieces and nephews; special friends, Olivia and Juan Hernandez and Roy and Martha Brown. Mr. Odette was preceded in death by his brothers, Owen, Arthur and George; sisters, Mary, Delia and Elizabeth (Betty). Friends may visit the family from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Reigle Funeral Home Sunset Chapel. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, February 4, 2008 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans Hospital in Saginaw.