Russell “Rusty” Clark Odom, 67, died Monday, August 7, 2023, at HCA Houston Healthcare in Conroe, TX, following a brief illness.
Born April 3, 1956, Rusty was a son of John Milton and Joan Odom of Manning. If you were ever in a room with Rusty, you surely heard his unmistakable laugh. He was never more content than being in a room of people and entertaining everyone. That spirit of entertainment was the very thing that led this Manning native all the way West to Hollywood. While there, Rusty tried his hand at acting in the movies, and even went so far as to bump elbows with Robert Redford while doing background work in The Natural. After his stint in California, Rusty stopped in Texas and met the woman who would become his wife and the mother of his children, Darlene Haese.
Rusty’s favorite thing to do was to brag on his children and their accomplishments. He loved to talk about his son Russell’s vacations and his skill at renovating houses. He loved to talk about his daughter Nicole’s passion for people in her ministry both personal and with her husband. He absolutely adored becoming a grandfather to three boys and showing off their pictures. His children and grandchildren were his life’s greatest joy.
Rusty stayed in Texas, but he had a special place in his heart for his hometown. Every time he visited home, he was thrilled to meet up with old friends who remained dear to him throughout his life. These friends brought him great joy, and he held their time together close.
Rusty is survived by his former wife Darlene Haese Odom; a son, Russell Odom of Austin, TX; a daughter, Nicole Eaton (Cyrus) of Abilene, TX; three grandchildren, Caleb Eaton, Judah Eaton, and Daniel Eaton and a fourth grandchild, Noah Eaton, is due in September; his mother, Joan Odom of Manning; a brother, Johnny Odom (Ruthie) of Manning; and a niece and nephew, Brittany Odom of Columbia and John Odom of Greenville.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Milton Odom and his brother Robin Odom.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Manning United Methodist Church or the John Landon Black Foundation. No services are planned at this time.
Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church Street, Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org
