Robert Eugene O'Dea

June 30, 1930--Sept. 21, 2005

WAUNETA -- Robert Eugene O'Dea, 75, died Wednesday (Sept. 21, 2005) while on a fishing trip in Pierre, S.D.

He was born June 30, 1930, to Francis H. and Elizabeth M. (Hanthorn) O'Dea in Indianola. The family moved to McCook, where he attended school.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1947 and served between WWII and the Korean War, being discharged in 1950. He then returned to McCook and worked as a welder for Northern Natural Gas Company, which took him to Omaha.

He married Barbara J. Merrill on Jan. 18, 1954, in Sidney, Iowa. The couple made their home in Omaha.

He was then hired by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company as a welder. This position took he and his family to Greece, Scotland and several states in the U.S. He retired in 1985 and the couple lived in Palisade, Trenton, McCook and Wauneta.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Leonard.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara of Wauneta; a daughter, Marilyn Goings and husband, Fred of Wauneta; a son, Russell O'Dea of North Platte; a brother, Patrick O'Dea and wife, Alice of North Platte; a sister, Bernadetta Sis and husband, John of Indianola; sister-in-law, Marie O'Dea of McCook; one grandson; and two great-grandchildren.

Private family services will be at Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta.

Memorials are being accepted in his name. Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.