Lyle Kenneth Kenny O'Dell

Lyle Kenneth "Kenny" ODell, 79, of Big Timber, Montana, passed away Saturday, June 10th, 2017 at the Pioneer Medical Center. Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory. A Memorial Funeral Service and celebration of life will be held 5:00 P.M., Thursday, June 22nd, at the Big Timber Lutheran Church (115 W 4th Ave) with Pastor Peggy Paugh Leuzinger officiating. A reception will follow the service and graveside committal and burial will then be at Mountain View Cemetery, Big Timber. Memorials are preferred to: Christikon, 4661 Boulder Road McLeod, Montana 59052 Kenny was born on April 20th, 1938, in Sweet Grass County on the Mosness Ranch east of Springdale and west of Big Timber. He was a twin son born to Lyle Pope ODell and Bonnie (Mosness) ODell. He received his education in Sweet Grass County. When he wasnt at school he was working with his father sheering sheep and working the ranch. He eventually went to work with the sheering/ranching operation full-time. He and his family worked all over Montana and the Western United States. Kenny entered active military service in the United States Army on January 10th, 1957, and served his country during peace time stationed in Germany. He received an Honorable Discharge on January 9th 1959. He had achieved the rank of Private-E2. He continued in the Army Reserves until 1963. On September 1st, 1963, Kenny was united in marriage to Carol Collette Hanson, at the Big Timber Lutheran Church. This marriage was blessed with two sons, James Kenneth "Jim", born in 1966 and Jay Lee born in 1968. Kenny and Carol resided in Big Timber at the Peterson place west of the fairgrounds, they raised sheep and lambed them west of town; he also kept cattle and chickens. Kennys brother got him a job as a core driller bringing the family to Hawaii from 1970-1971. When they returned they lived east of Livingston on Old Clyde Park Road and on Carols familys ranch. They decided to make Livingston the familys home. He worked at a bakery, pizza place and sawmills. Kenny was severely injured from a milling accident in 1988. He has had lasting complications from the accident and has been retired since. Kenny and Carol shared 53 years of marriage. He liked to get outside fishing, loved to golf and enjoyed his time working with B &G River Shuttle. He was also an active member of the Sons of Norway in Big Timber and the Livingston Dance Club. Kenny enjoyed nothing in life more than his grandchildren. When he would see their faces he would light up like a star. He especially enjoyed his newest grandson, Lyle Alan, holding him just the day prior to his death. Blessed be his memory. Kenny is survived by his: wife, Carol of Big Timber, sons, James Kenneth "Jim" ODell of Poughkeepsie, NY and Jay Lee ODell and his wife, Stephanie of Livingston. Grandchildren, Kimberly Dennison, Kylee Dennison and Lyle Alan ODell. Siblings, Ernest ODell of Helena and Lois Tinsley and her husband, Calvin of Everett, WA. Nieces and nephews, Cindy, Sandy, John and Christy. Cousins and other relatives and friends. Kenny is preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Bonnie and his twin brother, LeRoy in infancy. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.