Allen Smith Odell, originally from Marcellus, passed away Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in his home at Golden Crest Senior Community in Hampstead, MD, of Alzheimer’s disease and complications after having COVID.
Allen was the son of John Dwight and Aleene Smith Odell of Marcellus. He was 90 years old. Allen was president of his graduation class of 1951 at Marcellus High School. He was handed his high school diploma by his father, John Dwight Odell, president of the school board at the time.
The Odells resided in the historic home in Marcellus known as “The Dan Bradley House” on South Street. After attending Cornell University from 1951-1952, Allen took employment with the architectural firm, Sergeant, Webster, Crenshaw and Folley in Syracuse. Allen then went on to graduate from Michigan State University in 1956 with his degree in landscape architecture.
In July of 1956, he was drafted into the Army with an honorable release from active duty in July of 1958.
After returning from the service, Allen began employment with Jackson and Perkins Rose Growers in Newark, N.Y., and remained there for five years. He then returned to Michigan to begin his employment with Franks Nursery where he shared his love for gardening and flower arranging, helping anyone who he came in contact with for the 36 years he worked there where he received a “Certificate of Achievement” and numerous accolades from staff and customers.
Allen was very committed to his community in Plymouth, MI. He was named “Volunteer of the Year” for both The Lions Club and The Plymouth Historic Society. Allen received a “Business Beautification Award” in the landscaping category from the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce for the gardening and flower arranging he maintained within the community.
Allen traveled to many countries where he collected art and memories he spoke of frequently. He was an avid reader and had a deep appreciation for art and fine music as he and his partner of many years, Luan Brownlee of Livonia, MI, were patrons of the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
His sister, Sally Odell Wroe, says that “Allen was so kind and thoughtful, generous and humorous and such a pleasure to be with.”
Allen is survived by his sister, Sally, nieces and nephews Beth Wroe Yersel (Metin) of West Boylston, MA, John R. Wroe (Beth Anne) of Seattle, WA, Carrie Wroe Connor (Kevin) of Reisterstown, MD, and Timothy A. Wroe of Amsterdam, N.Y., along with many great nieces and nephews.
Donations toward the Alzheimers Association in his memory would be appreciated.
