Orvel Carl Bode

Orvel Carl “Cheyenne” Bode, known for his dedication and hard work, peacefully passed away in Dayton, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. He was a retired maintenance supervisor from Lubrizol, having devoted 30 years of service to the company. Orvel's journey began in Gerald, Texas, where he was born on February 16, 1937.

Mr. Bode was baptized on April 11, 1937, By Pastor A. Dettmann at St. Paul’s Evangelical & Reformed Church in Gerald, Texas. His baptismal sponsors were his uncle, Carl “Charlie” Bode, and his aunt, Alma Blankenstein Banik.

In 1940, Orvel's family relocated to Eastgate, where he spent his formative years on the cotton farm they later purchased in 1942. His roots remained intertwined with farming as he witnessed and contributed to its operations alongside his loved ones.

Education played a vital role in Orvel's life as he graduated from Dayton High School as part of the Class of 1957. During his high school years, he excelled in both football and track, showcasing his prowess and dedication beyond academics and was also a member of FFA, serving as treasurer during his senior year.

Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Orvel had a passion for hunting and fishing. These hobbies provided him solace and joy amidst life's endeavors. He was also recognized as a proud member of Grace Community Baptist Church, where his faith thrived. He was also an avid domino player who enjoyed a good game of ’42.

Orvel's proudest accomplishments included his dedication to collecting and restoring old tractors, sharing them at tractor shows for enthusiasts to admire. Additionally, his involvement in cattle farming highlighted his strong connection to the land and agricultural practices.

Preceding him in death are his beloved wife Linda Oates Bode, along with his father Henry Bode, mother Elfriede Blankenstein Bode, sister Marveline Bode Smesny and her husband Joe F., brothers-in-law Don King and Joe Alamia, father-in-law R. H. “Bill” Robinson, mother-in-law Johnnie Oates Robinson, niece Sherry Smesny Rice, great-nephew Joseph Smesny and three infant brothers.

Orvel is survived by his children Danny Bode, Donnie Bode and his wife Hedi, Rodney Bode and his wife Wendy, Wendy Bode Copeland, and her husband James; grandchildren Don Allen Bode and his wife Lena, CaLeigh Turner and her husband Cole, Layne Bode, Nikki Parker; Brittany Holcomb; Hillary Copeland; Alyssa Copeland; great-grandchildren Jasper; Jameson; Josee; Cooper; Scarlet; CalVann and Kenzie. Also surviving are his sister Lois King, sister-in-law Eilene Alamia, numerous nieces, nephews as well as extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 1, 2024 at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the funeral home with Rev. Marvin Denison and Don Allen Bode officiating. Burial will follow at Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Orvel’s caretakers; Susan Jones and Terika “Ms. T.” Semien and the staff at Harbor Hospice in Liberty for the special care of their dad.

Honoring the family by serving as pallbearers will be Joey Alamia, Jeffrey Alamia, Layne Bode, Brian Hanel, Michael Otto, and Randy Janik. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe H. Smesny, Frank Smesny, Jim Smesny, Robert Smesny Mike DeRiso, Larry Norwood, the “Eastgate Kids,” Lubrizol Retirees and the Dayton High School Class of 1957.

Orvel Carl Bode will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to family and community while leaving a lasting impact on all those who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on through the memories shared by those whose lives he touched with kindness and compassion.