Odis Junior Stilwell (O.J.) 1928 - 2009 Greenlawn Mortuary Services will be held on Friday, May 1, 2009 at Greenlawn Memorial Chapel 3700 River Blvd. Bakersfield, CA at 10:00 a.m. O.J. was born on June 3, 1928 in Bennington, OK. At the age of sixteen he came to Bakersfield, CA with his Mother and Brother after the passing of his Dad. He worked numerous jobs as a young man until he married his wife Rosalie Scott. He then became self employed for the next 55 years. O. J. and Rose were married on June 14, 1950 in Bakersfield, CA. The last two years of his life he enjoyed working with his Son and Grandson at Stilwell Equipment Sales. Dad was extremely proud of his wife and children. He also shared a special bond with his son as they enjoyed many years of working together. Dad's hobbies were working, fishing, writing poetry, singing and playing his harmonica. He will always be remembered for how much he loved the Lord, his practical jokes, sense of humor and generosity to those in need. O. J. is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Rose, and their four children: Sheila Lynde (Duane), Lonnie Stilwell (Jane), Cheryl Armistead (Ed) and Suzanne Prasser (Steve). Grandchildren Leslie Lara, Adam Heath, Scott Lynde, Gabe Stilwell, Kayla Stilwell, Ashley Hill, Haley Hill, Nicole Costa, Ryan Armistead, Michelle Armistead, Jake Cimental, Hannah Sierra, Katerina and Mathew Prasser. He is also survived by 13 great grandchildren, and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Leila Stilwell, four siblings, Ethel, Lois, Sam , Henry, great- grandchild, Nicole Heath and grandson-in- law, Todd Lara. Our lives will be forever changed by the loss of our Husband and Dad, until our reunion in Heaven. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 30 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Greenlawn Chapel 3700 River Blvd. Bakersfield, CA.

Published in Bakersfield Californian from 4/29 to 4/30/2009