John P. O’Dean, 51, of rural Galesburg, died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 16, 2023, while on a weekend fishing trip on the Fox River in Wisconsin.
He was born January 5, 1972, in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Malcolm “Sandy” and Linda J. (Davis) O’Dean.
He is survived by his father and stepmother, Sandy and Debbie O’Dean of Bonita Springs, Florida; a daughter, Courtney (Cody) Freeman of Chambersburg, Illinois; brother, Michael (Angela) O’Dean of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin; sister, Julie Galyean of Galesburg; girlfriend, Beth Dadia of Peoria; and nieces and nephews, Taylor, Luke, Hannah, Carter, Marek, Mason, and Meira. He was preceded in death by his mother and sister, Kelly O’Dean.
John worked for Caterpillar in East Peoria for over 29 years. He was currently working as a salvage welder; he was both knowledgeable and well respected. As John was an avid outdoorsman, while not working he could be found hunting, fishing, or spending time on his farm. He graduated from Galesburg High School with the Class of 1990. John loved watching movies and tv shows and was known to quote them often. He regularly used humor in his interactions with others. John was a member of The Oaks Community Church of Dahinda.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, September 29, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023, at The Oaks Community Church. Rev. Marty Briney will officiate. There will be a fellowship lunch at the church following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to The Oaks Community Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
