Leo David O’Dea was born May 18, 1946, in Kadoka, South Dakota. He was the fourteenth of fifteen children, and the seventh son born to John and Edna (Bennett) O’Dea. Much of his early schooling was provided by his mom, and in 1964, he graduated from Wall High School.

During his early years, Leo worked for different ranchers and family and attended school for refrigerator repair. He continued to stay busy for the rest of his life working in construction, owning a weatherization business, and sorting at the Vermillion Civic Council until he retired from facilities management at the University of South Dakota.

Leo welcomed his only daughter Kelly O’Dea to the world during a blizzard in December 1990. They planned to start a porch band, but decided against it in fear the neighbors would call for a welfare check on account of their “singing.” There were many things that Leo enjoyed, like ranches, horses, and live music. He firmly believed if everyone just had a guitar that they would be happy.

Most of all, Leo loved his family and connecting with people. He was particularly fond of spending time and keeping up with his nieces and nephews. In his retirement, Leo worked at the Angostura Recreation Area in the summer and was fond of visiting with campers.

Survivors include a daughter Kelly O'Dea of Vermillion; brothers Jerry and Richard O'Dea of Hot Springs; sisters Phyllis Coleman of Philip, Maurine Hagler of Meredian, ID, and Rosella (Tom) O'Bryan of Bagley, MN; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Edna O'Dea; brothers: Dennis, Jack, Dean, Gene, and Jim O'Dea; sisters: Bonna Hagler, Lorraine Smith, Lillian Deknikker, and Mary Bauer.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

A Christian Funeral Liturgy will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 21, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.

A Christian Funeral Committal will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.