Everett Odell Dyer

Everett “Odell” Dyer, 91, passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving and grateful family. He was born September 15, 1932, to Thelma Grace Smith and Webster R. Dyer.

After honorably serving in the Navy during the Korean war, Odell graduated from McNeese State University with his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He began his career as an algebra teacher at Sulphur High, LaGrange Junior High, and LaGrange High School. Odell then became the Principal at T.H. Watkins, and subsequently moved to Prien Lake Elementary, where he retired in 1995. While at Prien Lake, Odell started the French Immersion program, which is still thriving today. In 1995, Odell received the award of Palmes Academiques—bestowed by the French Republic—in honor of the French Immersion’s success at Prien Lake. While Odell influenced the lives of many children during his educational career, he also served as a Calcasieu Parish Deputy Sheriff during the evenings for over 35 years. Odell loved to hunt, garden, and spend time with his family and friends.

While attending college, Odell worked at Muller’s Department Store, where he met the love of his life, Margret Nancy Spees, in 1953. In March of this year, Odell and Margret celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. In addition to Margret, those left to cherish his memory are his five children: Phillip Dyer, Dennis Dyer, Timothy Dyer, Joel Dyer, and Bonnie Olander. Odell was also a very proud and loving “Papa” to 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

With a Christian heart, Odell lived his life leading by example. He was a member of the Lake Charles First Christian Church for 70 years serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, bible study leader, an elder, and a member of the Board. Throughout his life, he was there to serve others in need loving others as Christ loves us all. He was a rock to his family and friends; yet all the while knowing his strength came from his heavenly father.

He is preceded in death by his parents, twin brothers Otis and Odis, brother Webster Dyer, and sister Effie Brewton.

Odell Dyer’s funeral service and celebration of life will be held at Johnson Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. Saturday June 29, 2024. Serving as his pallbearers will be Hollan Dyer, Timmy Dyer, Ayden Olander, Vance Dyer, Grant Lyons, and Jordon Lyons. Honorary pallbearers are Everett Dyer and John Moore. Visitation will begin Friday June 28, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Saturday at 9:00 a.m. till time of service. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Friends and family are welcome to join the family at Grace Point Christian Fellowship located at 4590 Corbina Road in Lake Charles after his burial at Highland Memorial Gardens.