Suvern O'Dell

Suvern O'Dell, age 96, passed away on Saturday July 18, 2026, Bronte, TX. He was born August 4, 1929 in Winters, TX to Bennie E. and Ella Mae (Traylor) O'Dell. He was raised in the Crews and Winters area, attending the Dale Community School, as well as Winters schools where he met the love of his life, Martha Ann Phillips. They married June 6, 1953, and settled in the Wingate where they made their lifelong home. In 1956, they welcomed their first daughter Vickie, and in 1958 they welcomed Phyllis to complete their family. Suvern was drafted into the Army in 1951. He entered the service in January 1951, completing basic training at Camp Chaffee, Louisiana before serving in Korea, earning the Combat Infantryman Badge, Korean Service Medal and three Bronze Service Stars. He was honorably discharged in October 1952 as a corporal. After marriage, Suvern engaged in farming west of Wingate with John Gannaway and later with his father-in-law O. I. (Bub) Phillips. He farmed until 1989, retiring due to health issues. Suvern joined the Wingate Baptist Church upon moving to Wingate, where he served as a Sunday School teacher, song leader, and deacon. He served on many committees during his lifetime, including the building committees tasked with building the current sanctuary and educational buildings. He also joined in a mission trip to Brazil with other members to help build a church there. When the girls started school, Suvern jumped in and became a school board member and was their biggest fan, attending countless basketball games. He and Martha also became 4-H leaders during this time. They cheered the girls on during method demonstrations and countless fundraisers. They accompanied the club to Six-Flags numerous times, wrangling countless youths to have fun. Community was important to Suvern, as well. He coached Little League baseball for a few years, was a Charter member of the Wingate Lions Club and helped establish the Wingate Volunteer Fire Department, but one of his favorite things to do was drink coffee and visit with his neighbors. When the grandkids came along, he became the apple of all their eyes. Papa was their champion and biggest supporter, traveling to any game they were playing in or wanted to go to. He attended many Winters Blizzard football, basketball, and softball games cheering loudly from the stands and offered advise on improving their game. Suvern is survived and greatly missed by his wife of 73 years, Martha; daughters: Vickie Gomez and Phyllis Rice of Wingate; grandson Trint Bearden of Wingate; granddaughters: Amanda Molina and husband Scot of New Braunfels and Kelly Kitchens of Abilene. He is also survived by great-grandsons: Zach Cotter of Abilene, and Grayson and Gavin Molina of New Braunfels; great-granddaughters: Presley Cotter of Abilene, Brittany and Jessica Molina of New Braunfels, and Kelby Kitchens of Abilene; sister-in-law Jean O'Dell of Winters; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bennie E. and Ella O'Dell, grandson Randy Cotter, brothers: Benny R. O'Dell, R.T. O'Dell, Kenneth O'Dell, Garland O'Dell. Merl O'Dell, and Franklin O'Dell; sisters: Oma Lee Overman, Imogene Perry, Evelyn Forrester, Jewel Mae Teague, Eloise Barron, and Juanell Lange. The family will receive friends at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at Winters Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 2026 at Wingate Baptist Church with burial following at Wingate Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff of Bronte Health and Rehab for their kind care during his last year. The family request in lieu of flower, donation be made to your favorite charity.

Suvern O'Dell

August 4, 1929 - July 18, 2026