Abraham Oden, affectionately known as "Abe"by friends and "A.B." by family, departed this life on April 11, 2020.
He was the first child born to Rev. Otis and Elizabeth Oden in Birmingham, Alabama. He received his early education in Jefferson County schools. Upon graduating from Hooper City High School, he valiantly served his country in the U. S. Marine Corps. He served for 22 years, rising in rank to Master Sergeant.

He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and was eight times awarded the Good Conduct Medal. He was a Pistol and Rifle Expert. He was stationed in Anacostia, Virginia, Okinawa, Japan, Millington, TN, Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, Vietnam, and Marine Corps Air Station Tustin. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1978.Upon being honorably discharged from the Corps he was employed at Steelcase, Inc. in Tustin, California for many years. He then moved his family from MCAS Tustin to Irvine.
In 1959, he was introduced to a wonderful young lady by his sister Mary. The relationship blossomed and he entered into holy matrimony to Gwendolyn Bates on August 23, 1963. The ceremony took place at Hopewell A.M.E. Church in Birmingham. To this union four children were born. They would remain married for 57 years.

Abe was an avid fan of all athletics. He was a member of military sports teams including football, volleyball, bowling and baseball. He also served as a baseball umpire.Upon moving to Irvine, he became a coach for Bobby Sox Softball and girls' AYSO Soccer teams. Abe loved helping people. He carefully nurtured his teams and transported some to and from practices. He also helped senior citizens with their transportation needs serving as a volunteer at the Tustin Senior Center.
He enrolled his children into volleyball, softball, soccer and bowling. Due to his guidance, his daughters excelled in sports and earned college scholarships in volleyball, his son in basketball. His daughters also became Olympians as members of the USA Volleyball Team in 1988, 1992 and 1996.

Abe was a Christian and lifelong Baptist. During his youth he served as a Sunday school teacher under his father's tutelage. He attended Main Place Christian Fellowship under Pastor Rich Mathisrud. He was devoted to his family, church and community.
He is survived by his wife, Gwen; daughters, Kimberly Oden (Atty. Don Brewster); Elaina Oden, and Beverly Oden; a devoted son, Michael Oden; a step granddaughter, Signe Brewster; a step grandson, Kai Brewster;a loving sister, Mary Turner (Bishop Oscar); a brother, Nathaniel Oden; Four nephews; Boris Oden, Terrence Turner, Brian Burks and The Honorable Donald Blankenship; Six nieces; Donna Dukes, Terri Burks, Deborah Jackson, Merlaine Smokes, Lannda Oden and Eileen Turner;two grand nieces; April Schmitz; Jefanda Price; A caring extended family including Rob & Mary Ann Eckhoff and their daughters Melissa Eckhoff & Jennifer Eckhoff Huswick; Dorothy and Patrick Bassett, Doug & Monica Spindler and committed caregivers Angelina Alvarez and Juan Pantoya.

Due to Coronavirus restrictions, a memorial service will be postponed until a later date.