Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Melvin Lee Odum passed away on April 7, 2026, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 86.
He was born on September 21, 1939, in Dallas, Texas, to his parents, Hubert and Mary (Swartz) Odum. He spent much of his working life as director of inventory for a parts supply company, where he was valued for his attention to detail and strong sense of responsibility.
On November 4, 2010, Melvin married his loving wife Bonnie in Branson. He and Bonnie made their home in Forsyth for six years before moving back to Branson.
Melvin had a lifelong love of golf. He enjoyed golfing six days a week. He also enjoyed making golf clubs, reflecting his hands-on nature and appreciation for the game. In 2022, he achieved a memorable hole-in-one, a moment that brought him great pride and joy and became a treasured highlight among his many golfing memories.
Melvin is survived by his wife, Bonnie, his daughter, Rhonda, and his friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Mary Odum. His life will be remembered with deep affection.
In Melvin's honor, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org/donate .
Arrangements are in the care of Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel with no services planned at this time.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin Lee Odum, please visit our floral store.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/donate