William Howard (Odie)Braswell

William Howard (Odie)Braswell, 93, of Nevada, Mo., passed away at home on Saturday, March 5, 2022. Odie was born in Nevada on Aug. 18, 1928, to Percy William and Erma Fern Braswell. He graduated from Nevada High School in 1946. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and served two years in Tokyo, Japan, with the 1st Cavalry Division, 7th Regiment. After his military service he attended Missouri University and Pittsburg State. He married Betty Jane (Sandy) Sanders Oct. 15, 1950, sharing 72 years together in marriage.

Odie was employed at Ellis Furniture in 1950. In 1951, he went to work for Missouri Public Service where he worked as a Meter Reader, Apprentice Lineman, Lineman, and Line Foreman. He retired in 1990 after 40 years of service for MOPUB, now Evergy.

Odie loved sports. Golf, basketball, and football were favorites. He had a hole in one at the Nevada Country Club! He was proud to be a player on the undefeated Big 8 Champions basketball team in 1946 at Nevada High School. Odie was a member of the First Christian Church and had served as a deacon. He was a member of the American Legion, the VFW and Nevada Country Club. He was a life member of the Elks and had served as Exalted Ruler. He was past president of the Nevada Park Board. He was a 70 year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Odie had many friends. He was kind, generous and respectful to those he knew.

Odie was preceded in death by his son, Chris Braswell in 1977. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Anita Turnbull, in 2017.

In addition to his wife, Sandy, survivors include one daughter, Nanette Crump, her husband Jim of Lenexa, Kan.; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews, including Mike Turnbull of Nevada.

A graveside committal service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, March 14, at Newton Burial Park, in Nevada, with Pastor Bill Platt officiating. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

Contributions may be made in his memory to Heartland Hospice of Butler in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.