J.V. Oden

J.V. Oden, 83, a long time Altus businessman and entrepreneur, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at the Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Saturday, September 7, 2013 at the Kincannon Memorial Chapel with Rev. Tom Oden-Peace, Pastor Jan Ivan Oden and Mitch McLaughlin officiating. Interment will follow at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of the Kincannon Funeral Home. J.V. was born on April 3, 1930 in White Flat, Oklahoma to James Ivan and Mattie (Hardin) Oden. He graduated from Centralvue School in the Russell Community in 1950. He married Kathryn Farmer on September 3, 1950 in Mangum, Oklahoma. J.V. served in the US Army and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. Since 1954, he and his wife, Kathryn, had owned and operated Oden Floor Covering. During his years of service to his community, he served as pastor of the Assembly of Jesus Christ in Mangum for 14 years and was the founder of Quartz Mountain Christian Academy, Quartz Mountain Family Camp, and KKVO Christian Radio Station of Altus. He was currently a member of Family Life Church of Altus. He served on the Altus City Council and was a member of the Lions Club. He was a member of the Home Builders Association, the Floor Covering Association, and the Catfish Farmers of America. J.V. developed the only catfish farm in southwest Oklahoma and operated it for many years. He also owned many rental properties in the Altus area. He was an early pioneer in the use of wind turbine generators for home-based electrical power. In the 1960’s, he was instrumental in the founding of the Round Timbers water project for the city of Altus. He was also a property and land developer. J.V. enjoyed farming, ranching and collecting everything from bolo ties to antique cars. He also loved keeping in touch with his family. He was the founder of the Oden and Farmer family reunions and has been instrumental in their operations since the late 1950’s. He was always happiest when he was surrounded by his family or in front of the television watching his Oklahoma City Thunder team. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kathryn; four sisters, Ethel, Bertie, Emma and Rosie; and five brothers, Grover, O.C., James, Jerry and Jimmy. Survivors include his daughter, Teresa Oden-Peace and husband, Thomas, of Houston, TX; a son, Jan Ivan Oden and wife, Cindy, of Altus, OK; three grandchildren, Jandi McLaughlin and her husband, Mitch, of Blair, OK, Joel Ivan Oden and his wife, Makinzie, of Altus, OK, and Jaclyn Oden-Peace of Houston, TX; two great grandchildren, Asher and Jalea McLaughlin; a brother, Russell Oden and his wife, Wynona, of Wanette, OK; a special nephew and caregiver, James Ramey, Jr. of Altus, OK; and many other nieces, nephews and friends. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the funeral home.