Michael "Mike" Oden

Michael “Mike” Franklin Oden passed away suddenly on November 12, 2024, in El Dorado, Arkansas. He was born on July 9, 1972, to Garry and Betty Kelley Oden. Mike is survived by his wife of 30 years, DeAnna Courtney Oden; sons Casey Oden (Kate) and Tanner Oden; granddaughters Nova Lynn Oden and Ally Grace Oden; grandsons Hudson Kent Oden and Sawyer Dean Oden; his mother, Betty Oden; his sister, Jamie (Keith) Sipes; beloved niece, Alana Sipes; and many other loving and loved relatives and friends. All survivors reside in Crossett. He was preceded in death by his father, Garry. Mike excelled at everything he did. As a boy, he made All-Stars in baseball, earned karate trophies, and caught the most or biggest fish! Through the years, he honed his skills at playing the guitar, shooting pool, and drawing. Mike’s musical taste ran the gamut, covering all genres. Raised in the Frost Prarie community, Mike and Jamie made friends for life with the neighborhood kids. Those friendships endure today. Stories of their childhood shenanigans still bring fits of laughter to those who witnessed them or participated, while those who weren’t present listen now in disbelief. During his career, Mike worked for Georgia Pacific in Crossett for 25 years, making many friends there. He was most recently employed by Welsco and Raytheon, where he worked until the day of his death. Mike was a loyal, faithful, and dependable husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, family member, and friend. However, Mike’s most cherished role was that of Papaw. He played all the card and board games, as well as putting clothes on baby dolls. He drew pictures, watched dances endlessly, and played outside. His grandchildren will never forget time spent with their Papaw!

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Medders Funeral Home in Crossett, Arkansas, with a burial at Crossrosds Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time.

Services entrusted to Medders Funeral Home of Crossett.

Obituary written and submitted by Mike's family.

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