He was the son of Robert Carroll and Bessie Edith (Powell) Odom.
Benny was a 1955 graduate of Cleveland High School. After graduation, he worked several years as a brick mason alongside his father and brother and became a member of the Bricklayers Union of Kansas City, Kansas. Benny then served as a Cass County, Missouri deputy sheriff for 10 years before becoming the Cass County Collector, a position he held for 30 years until his retirement. During his time as Cass County Collector, Benny clerked many farm auctions for John Goddard, Rick Cantrell and, Kirk Young. He also held the position of Chief of Police of Cleveland, Missouri.
On October 10, 1958 Benny was united in marriage with Judith Ann “Judy” Cravens and to this union four daughters, Tammy Lorraine, Julie Ann, Amy Lynne and Betsy Carol were born. Benny and Judy were married for almost 60 years before her passing on September 10, 2018.
Benny was a public servant at heart and had served on many committees and was a member of many organizations including Missouri Farm Bureau, charter member of the Cleveland Lions Club, past President of the Missouri County Collectors Association, Board Member of Missouri Association of Counties (MAC), served on the Midway School Board for 12 years and was President of the School Board for 6 of those years, served on the board of P.W.S.D. #7 for 12 years and was President of the Board for 8 years, and was elected Silver Haired Legislator of Missouri. Benny was a Mason and had been a member of the Cleveland Masonic Lodge. He was also a faithful and active member of the First Baptist Church of Cleveland, Missouri and had served as Chairman of Deacons.
Benny was completely devoted to his family. When his girls were young, he spent every weekend taking them to horse shows as well as all their other activities and that trend continued with his grandchildren.
After his retirement, Benny enjoyed spending time in his woodworking shop, mowing his lawn, fishing and hunting, but most of all, he loved the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Judy, Benny was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Bessie Odom; brothers, Charles Edward Keeran and infant Donald Earl Odom; sisters, Wilma Jean Bain and Shirley Ann Barthol; great-granddaughter, Sophie Lueker and son-in-law, Dennis Lueker.
He is survived by his daughters, Tammy Lorraine Lueker, Julie Ann Holder and husband Aaron, Amy Lynne Hinkle and husband Mike, and Betsy Carol Frazier and husband Ron, all of Cleveland, Missouri; sister, Ruth Elaine Zimmerman of Cleveland, Missouri; 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.
The family of Benny C. Odom will receive friends from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Cleveland, 420 W. Main, Cleveland, Missouri 64734. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the church with Brother Henry Green officiating. Casket Bearers will be Mike Hinkle, Aaron Holder, Ron Frazier, Rob Irvin, Tom Suver and Dave Irvin. Honorary are all his Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. Interment will follow in the Glenwild Cemetery.
Contributions are suggested to Logan Meerkatz and Clay Palmer Scholarship Memorial Fund. Checks should be made out to Mason Owens and on the Memo line please note “Memorial Scholarship Fund”.
