Philip Leroy "Phil" Odom

Philip Odom ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Veterans Funeral Services from Mar. 17 to Mar. 18, 2026.Thursday, March 26, 2026Houston National Cemetery10410 Veterans Memorial DriveHouston, Texas 77038Meet in Lane #2 at 1:45 p.m. (Not before 1:30 p.m.)Military Honors Presented By:United States Marine Corp Houston Honor GuardIn the early hours of March 12, 2026, Philip Leroy Odom-known to many simply as Phil-passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus, at home, in Houston, Texas, after a fight most befitting a Marine.Phil lived a life defined by faith, service, and devotion to family. Born the youngest of seven children to Curtis Tieman Odom and Stella Mae Manners Odom on March 28, 1950, in Breese, Illinois, and raised in nearby New Baden, he carried the values of his small-town roots with him throughout his life: hard work, loyalty, humility, and a willingness to help others. Phil married Gail Dewald in 1973, a union that produced three daughters. When he married Teri Miser Davis in 2008, he proudly welcomed two more into his family. He was immensely proud of his five daughters and embraced the role of a "girl dad" with deep love and unwavering support.Faith was central to Phil's life. For more than twenty years he was an active member of St. Timothy's United Methodist Church and later worshipped for over fifteen years at Spring Woods United Methodist Church. Spring Woods UMC ministries included chili cook-offs, men's breakfasts, and gourmet dinners. Phil had Teri as his sweetheart but he also had a standing date with a handful of ladies for the church's annual Valentine's dinner. Phil had a gift for bringing people together, often connecting contractors in need of work with members of his church family who needed help around their homes. In doing so, he quietly created opportunities that benefited everyone involved.His faith led him to serve others through volunteer work, including mission trips helping rebuild communities after disasters in places such as San Leon, Texas, and Kentucky. He also faithfully supported his daughters in their involvement with United Methodist youth programs, including UM Army mission trips and Lakeview summer camps.A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Phil served four years and attained the rank of Sergeant. During the Vietnam War, he served with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. The discipline, courage, and sense of brotherhood he learned during his service remained guiding principles throughout his life. Later in life, Phil reconnected with his fellow Marines through reunions and Marine Corps birthday celebrations from Washington, D.C. to San Diego, and for more than 20 years helped organize the Marine Corps reunion in Houston.Following his military service, Phil built a diverse career. A certified electrician, he became known for his ability to fix almost anything. He also served as a county sheriff and later worked as an executive recruiter. Whatever role he held, Phil approached his work with determination, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility.Phil loved the outdoors and time spent with family and friends. He enjoyed deer hunting in Illinois with his nephew Scott, fishing in the mountains of Colorado with his friend Ron Bates, and boating with his wife and friends. He also loved traveling to places that held special meaning for his family, especially visiting his sisters and their families: Wanda at the family farm in Illinois; taking Gay to Tennessee and searching the holler for blue rocks; Rose at Port Aransas beaches; and Robbie in Kerrville. Every road trip or cruise vacation he organized, healways found friends and family to join him or to see on his route-a testament to the importance Phil placed on the people and relationships in his life.Affectionately known as "Pap" to his grandchildren, Phil treasured every moment with them. Whether teaching them to play cards, reading stories, camping, or simply spending time together, he was happiest when surrounded by his family. His generosity, steady presence, and deep love for his family shaped the lives of those around him.Phil is survived by his beloved wife, Teri, and by his five daughters: Carrie Louise (Justin) Bickford, Fawn Meri Davis, Malaina Rose Odom, Lacy Ann (Wesley) Georges, and Holly Mae (Kelly Ann King) Odom. His legacy continues through his grandchildren-Brailey Wilson, Collin Bickford, Ashley Wilson, Jaxon Langlinais, Caiden Bickford, Blakely Georges, Alex Georges, Dax Georges, and Conway Georges-who brought him tremendous pride and joy. Also surviving Phil are sisters Gay Nell Odom, Wanda Odom (Roger) Gildig, and Rose (Clyde Dooley) Odom; and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Curtis Odom, Jr., and Edgar (Ed) Odom; brothers-in-law Chuck Eckert, Dick Elmblad, and Dee Moses; sister Robbie Odom Moses; mother-in-law Harriett Miser; grandson Austin Bickford; nephew Clint Kues, and niece Amy Odom Pearson.A celebration of Phil's life will be held on Thursday, March 26th, at 10 a.m. at Spring Woods United Methodist Church (1711 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, 77090). A full military honors cemetery service will follow, beginning at 1:45 p.m. at Houston National Cemetery (10410 Veterans Memorial Drive). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Spring Woods United Methodist Church in Phil's memory by mail or at the service.Phil Odom will be remembered as a Marine, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a man whose life was guided by faith, service, humor, and love. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and in the countless lives he touched.In the spirit of the words he so often shared with others: May the force of God be with you.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.