Scott David O'Dell

Scott David O’Dell, 65, Independence, MO passed away at St. Luke’s Hospice House on April 17, 2026. He was born on September 27, 1960, in Independence, MO to Leslie J. and Mildred L. (Stewart) O’Dell. Scott was a lifelong resident of Independence, MO and graduated from William Chrisman High School in1979. Scott was a dedicated member of the Liberty Street Community of Christ Church, where he served as a deacon and outreach coordinator. Scott loved traveling with his wife Barbara and especially enjoyed our National Parks. His hobbies included playing golf, bowling, riding motorcycles and watching documentaries. When he was younger, he was a member of the Junior Olympics volleyball team and played football. Scott was a certified scuba diver and avid water skier and downhill skier. Scott worked in different phases of the transportation industry for more than 30 years. He started as a semi-truck driver, then dispatcher and finally as an OCC specialist at OOIDA (the Owner-Operator Independent Driver’s Association) 16 years before retiring in 2021. Scott and Barbara Knackstedt were married on May 30, 1987, in Independence and built their life together there. He was a favorite uncle-one of the great joys of Scott’s life. He loved participating in the lives of his nieces and nephews. He was also a mentor to his foster children and the youth of his church and was treasured by his family and many lifelong friends. Scott was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Quinton and Rex; nephew, Daniel J. O’Dell, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara of nearly 39 years; sister Lori Ann Smith; brother Daniel J. O’Dell, Sr. and wife Paula; sisters in law Kathy French and Karen Wurst; several nieces and nephews and many foster children, cousins and friends. Scott touched every life that he encountered and made each one feel special with his time, no matter what the circumstance. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Liberty Street Community of Christ, 416 N. Liberty Street, Independence, MO 64050

Scott David O'Dell

September 27, 1960 - April 17, 2026