Odus R. Sweetin
Odus R. Sweetin, longtime resident of Chattanooga, died Friday, January 21, 2011 after a long-term illness and a recent battle with cancer. He was 63.
Odus was raised in the Ina area of Illinois, graduated from Mt. Vernon High School, attended Rend Lake College and became a remodeling
contractor for over 40 years. He was the owner of Sweetin Construction Company, a longtime member of the Home Builders Association of
Southern Tennessee, and elected president of their Remodeler’s Council on several occasions. He was very proud of his leadership initiatives, and contributed to the steady employment for approximately 330 home remodeler members over several years, causing them to elect him as Remodeler of the Year and present him with numerous other awards. For the tenure of his presidency, the Remodeler’s Council built several playhouses and sold them for the Benefit of the Ronald McDonald House and the Siskin Rehab unit associated with the largest hospital complex in Chattanooga - Erlanger. When recently admitted to their Oncology unit, administrative personnel of Erlanger remembered his highly appreciated deeds and assured him that excellent care would be provided in their unit. Every staff member fulfilled that promise continuously during his final difficult days over several admissions. His family members and friends remain forever grateful for the excellence in medical care provided by the Erlanger Oncology
unit.
Odus was an avid gardener and grew a grand variety of vegetables which he graciously shared with his friends and neighbors. Over the past few years despite his declining health, he became a novice gourmet cook and shared his fare with friends and neighbors. He loved Chattanooga, and will be leaving behind his longtime best friend, Judy Bryan, and her beautiful granddaughter, Judith Bryan. He was also well known for looking out for the welfare of his neighbors for over 20 years.
Odus is survived by his loving mother, Eileen Sweetin, Benton, Ill.; brother, Vernon (Karole) Sweetin, Benton, Ill.; Julie Sweetin, niece and Jeff Sweetin, nephew, both of St. Louis; only son, Bryan Sweetin (Brenda), Chattanooga, and Ian and Emily Sweetin, grandchildren, also of Chattanooga.
Odus will be buried at Kirk Cemetery in Ina, Ill., after services at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, 410 South Main St., Benton, Ill., 62812-1710, 618.438-0311.