Samuel Leroy Odell passed on to be with his Lord and Savior on October 8, 2021. Sam was born in Holdrege, Nebraska on December 14, 1929.
Athletics took over in high school which lead him into the field of teaching, so he can coach and better teach the lessons of life to the young people in his charge. His personal playing experiences in all sports was part of the reason for his success in coaching. He graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota.
In 1957, Samuel moved to Arizona to take a job in the Scottsdale school district, teaching Physical Education, Earth Science and Biological. During those years he coached Varsity Football, Basketball, and Tennis, at times earning Coach of Year in all three.
Sam was very active in his church choirs and sang brass with his vocal group the Kings Quartet.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents. Pastor Carl, and Ruth Odell, sisters, Irene and Gloria, brother Daniel, and children Debra and Jeffrey. He is survived by five children, Steve, Tracy, Scott, William, and Gregory.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but www.bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
My brother & I both played tennis at Arcadia High School where we won or were runner-up at state several times. Sam was a really nice man & great coach. I had lost track of Sam through the years so it is nice to know he was active teaching & coaching during this time. My condolences to the family. RIP Sam.
Best Biology teacher. Thanks for all your contributions to us Titians.
RIP
Great tennis coach
Sam was my step-father for 10 years. Sending condolences to all of his family.