Odes R. Rummel, Jr.

Odes Raymond Rummel, Jr. was born in Washington D.C. on March 21, 1944.  He died peacefully in St. Louis, MO surrounded by family on March 15, 2023. 

In his own words, Odes said that he had lived a full wonderful life.  He married his best friend, Irene, in 1977, a 46-year relationship full of love, companionship, respect and fun.  They lived all over the United States and have friends and family that span coast-to-coast and around the globe.   Odes and Irene were also able to travel all over the world and Odes enjoyed every minute of it.   He loved his entire family, especially his three younger brothers.  

His formal education was surpassed by his self-taught knowledge on an infinite number of subjects.  Odes’ capacity to retain information was augmented by the ability to analyze the information from which he formed his own well-founded opinions.  His knowledge of history and geography enhanced his travels and brought the places alive to those of us who were fortunate enough to travel with him.  Most impressively, his vast knowledge of global finance helped family and friends to make informed financial decisions. 

Everyone knew him to be a strong, kind, generous and caring individual.  He also loved to be helpful.  From programming a neighbor’s remotes, volunteering in his community, playing usher at the theatre as a child, and just making the cashier at the supermarket smile, Odes was just the right kind of human being.  Odes was also an amazing chef.  His cooking was renowned for the flavors he created.  For those who were lucky to have his cooking, his special ingredients were the love and care he took to prepare each meal.  Odes was also generous with his knowledge, time and love.   To his last breath, Odes cared deeply for his wife, family and friends. 

In high school, he wrote a paper on being a good human being.  His thoughts then described how he ultimately lived his life with integrity and a generous heart.  No one ever heard of his generous gestures other than the recipients.  He did not boast because he did not think that this trait made him exceptional.   

He will be missed by many around the world, as Odes was a gift to all of us who knew him. He will forever be in our hearts.   

In lieu of flowers, give a helping hand to a family member, a friend or a stranger, in memory of Odes.