Barney Edgar Odell, 94, of Blanco, formerly of Dripping Springs, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23 with his family gathered around him.

A TRUE TEXAS COWBOY who loved his family like none other. During his earlier years he loved to rodeo; however ranching was where his heart was. While raising his children, he built a successful business processing meat, known as Odell Processing. After retiring from his business and up until he began experiencing heart problems two years ago, his Beefmaster cattle kept him quite busy and gave him much to look forward to.

Hunting was one of his favorite hobbies of which he enjoyed doing with his grandsons, son in law and family friends. Many thanks to Trey and Matt Preslar, Larry Stauber, John McKinney, Johnny Preslar and Eddie Tyler for extending such generosity and including him on their hunting trips. He commented that all the boys treated him like a king and took really good care of him; he didn’t have to do a thing, except have a good time.

Another form of enjoyment came from many years of watching his grandsons, Tim and Michael Odell, play baseball and more recently when his health allowed, watching his granddaughter, Haley Odell, play softball. He would like to sit behind home plate so that he could make sure the umpires were making the right calls, all the while throwing his shoulder slightly forward to help his grandson throw strikes over the plate when pitching.

Many hours of joy were experienced when Joe and Gwendolyn Wunneburger would invite him to sit in with their music group and play his harmonica. He danced and played the harmonica at the same time and always looked forward to the next occasion. He also enjoyed gathering in his living room and playing for his family and friends.

In the last several years he was afforded the opportunity to spend time at Rockport with his family and friends. He enjoyed fishing but really looked forward to the good food and back porch conversations overlooking the ocean. Bill and Liz Yant along with Edwina Cowden always made him feel like a welcome part of their extended family.

Family gatherings at his house always included his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and anyone else looking for a place to feel at home and have a good time, everyone was welcome. You were always expected to spend the night and invited to come back again soon. The bigger the crowd was, the louder the conversations were, the longer the music lasted, and the laughter continued, he kept a smile on his face and this is what he looked forward to so much.

Barney was preceded in death by his beloved wife, the mother of his children, Florence Elizabeth Lyle, along with their two sons, Eugene and Curtis Odell; four brothers, Harvey, Marvin, Odie, Wesley Odell and two sisters, Nolie Evans and Myrtie Young.

Survived by son, Tommy Odell & wife Michelle of Dripping Springs; his three daughters, Sara Reid of Blanco, Betty (BJ) Stauber & husband Larry of Dripping Springs and Bonnie Alcorn & husband Ray of Bastrop; 12 grandchildren; 8 great grand children and one on the way; brother, Laverne Odell & wife Margie of Driftwood.

The family will receive friends at Harrell Funeral Home on Sunday from 4:00 till 6:00 p.m. The funeral will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday at 1:00 p.m. with burial to follow at Phillips Cemetery.

Barney was loved by many, respected by all, and will truly be missed by anyone that was privileged to have known him.

He was a TRUE TEXAS COWBOY.