William “Bill” O’Dell, 68, of Neoga, Illinois, passed away at 9:12 P.M., Sunday, March 22, 2026, at his residence. He was born April 19th, 1957, in Mattoon, Illinois, the son of Joe E. and Judy Sue (Swengel) O’Dell. He married Lisa Garrett, September 23rd, 1978 in Gays, Illinois.
Bill graduated from Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1978 and worked with his father and brother in the Swengel – O’Dell Funeral Home in Neoga. He became the co-owner/operator with his brother, Tim after Joe’s passing. Throughout his career, Bill was known for his skills and compassion while caring for families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Bill was often called upon to share his time and talents to assist other area funeral directors. He was a member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association for 47 years.
Bill was a familiar face at Neoga Community Unit #3 schools for over 42 years where he served as a bus driver and was known for his full size Snickers as a Christmas gift to his riders. Bill served his community in many capacities including an EMT on the ambulance service, a firefighter for the Neoga Volunteer fire department, and served as Chief Deputy Coroner for Cumberland County for several years.
Everyone who knew Bill, knew his 10 grandchildren were his pride and joy. His favorite memories were our summer trips to the Steel Away cabin in Cornucopia, Wisconsin. In his most recent years, the kids even got him away on his family vacations with his children and grandchildren to Hawaii and multiple trips to Walt Disney World. Bill loved fishing, gardening around the house, riding his trike and his DQ blizzards.
Bill leaves his wife, Lisa O’Dell of Neoga; Son, John O’Dell (Shawna) of Gays; Daughters, Susan (Josh) Hartman of Windsor, Andrea (Cully) Schweska of Monticello and Katy (Ben) Oakley of Charleston; 10 Grandchildren, William O`Dell (Fiancé Emma Meinhart), Natalie O’Dell, Jackson Hartman, Halcyon Schweska, Bennett Hartman, Aivynn Schweska, Sophia Hartman, Beck Oakley, Briggs Oakley and Cully Finnick Schweska; Brother, Tim O’Dell (Carol) of Neoga; and several nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, several aunts and uncles; and one niece, Candis O’Dell.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Bill O’Dell Memorial Scholarship Fund for Neoga graduates who demonstrate community excellence and are pursuing a career in the funeral service industry , healthcare, or other civil service careers.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Swengel – O’Dell Funeral Home of Neoga, with Rev. Jim Whitaker officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., Friday March 27, 2026 and one hour before the services at the Funeral Home.
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