Don Oden

Don Oden, 88, of Topeka, went to be with our Lord on Friday, December 9, 2022 at Midland Hospice House.

He was born July 16, 1934, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Mack M. and Ruby Wilson-Oden. She preced him in death at an early age due to complications during child birth.

Mr. Oden was a life-long reside of Topeka. He was a graduate of Topeka High School and attended Washburn University. He was a Naval Veteran of the Korean War. After serving a four year tour with the Navy, Don returned home where he obtained employment at the Dupont Cellophane plant in Tecumseh, KS for 26 years, he took early retirement in 1985, and obtained a license Real Estate Agent. In 1986, he was employed at the Kansas Corporation Commission where he retired in 2001. After retirement, he worked as a salesman at Casual Male Big and Tall store; and Atria Retirement Facility until permanent retirement.

In 1975, Mr. Oden became the first African American to be elected to the Topeka Board of Education, where he served 8 years. He served two terms as Vice- President and one term as President of the Topeka Board of Education. He was also a member of the first District Citizens Advisory Committee (DCAC, that was formed in 1974 to calm students unrest which subsequently led to the development to a forum for input by patrons of the Topeka school system.

Mr. Oden was affiliated with several political and civic organization, including the Topeka/Shawnee County Black Republican Council, the Topeka Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, the Shawnee County Corrections Advisory Board, The Shawnee County Development Corporation, the Selective Service Board, and the C.A.R.E Board of Directors. He was past member and officer of the Midwest Elks Lodge #1441. He was a member and Treasurer of the Topeka Back Home, and Topeka Tyler Family Association Reunions. He was a member of the Sunset Optimist Club, where, over time, he had served in all official capacities, including Lt. Governor of the Kansas District Optimist.

Mr. Oden was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where he served as Office Manager and Financial Secretary. He also served as President of the Deacon Board and was a member of the Trustee Board. He was a former usher and a member of the Male Chorus named "Shiloh Kings" and also Shiloh's Chancel Choir.

He was married to Ima Jean Clardy Odeb, on August 17, 1957. She preceded him in death. Survivors include a daughter, Cynthia G. Dulan; a son, Don C. Oden; nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, step-mother and infant son, Scott M. Oden.

His family will greet friends and relatives from 4:00pm -6:00pm on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66604. A funeral service will be at 1:00 pm., Friday, December 16, 2022 at the Mount Hope Funeral Chapel, 4700 SW 17th, Topeka, KS. A graveside service with military honors will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Colmery-O'Neil Veterans Medical Center, 2200 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66622.

Don's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.

Penwell Gabel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To leave a message for Don Oden's family online, please visit the guestbook below.