O'Dell was a lifelong resident of Akron and attended Akron Public Schools and the University of Akron. O'Dell was employed by the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. after graduating from Buchtel High School in 1967.

In 1975, O'Dell was sworn in as an Akron Police Officer and later was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

O'Dell is survived by his wife of 32 years, Rita (nee Beale) Daniels; sons, O'Dell (Linda) Daniels, Jr. and Aaron Daniels; parents, Isiah Saafir Daniels and Clara Saafir Daniels of Tuskeegee, Ala.; brothers, Embree Daniels of Houston, Texas, Isiah (Cecelia) Daniels of Las Vegas, Nev., Rafael (Lisa) Daniels of Houston, Texas; sister, Jacqueline Daniels of Houston, Texas; sister-in-law, Norma Daniels; grandchild, O'Dell Daniels, III; and beloved nieces, nephews, family and friends.

O'Dell was a member of the Kappa Alpha PSI Fraternity, past president of BLEOA and a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. O'Dell enjoyed camping, travel and cars.

Services Monday, August 29, 2005 at 12 p.m. at Jerusalem Baptist Church--East, 270 E. Wilbeth Rd., Akron, OH 44301, Pastor Marc Neal officiating and Pastor Waverly Earley eulogizing. Friends may visit at the church from 11 a.m. until time of service. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery. Procession will form and condolences may be sent to 1083 Valdes Ave., Akron, OH 44320. Special thanks to the Akron Police Department and special friends, Jerry K. Gould and Leonard Stephens.