Dear family and friends this is to notify you of a permanent address change. Saturday, September 27, 2025 Odis Lee Blackmon, 68, of Cabot, AR left his earthly home and relocated to his permanent eternal heavenly home.

Odis was born December 25, 1956 in De Queen, AR to his parents David and Nettie "Jackie" Gentry-Blackmon, whom he is preceded in death by. He spent his formative years in Grannis, AR, graduated from Gillham High School, and attended Rich Mountain Vocational-Technical School where he studied to become a Machinist.

Odis was preceded in death by the love of his life, Evonne Daphine Powell-Blackmon affectionately named "Dumpling" whom he married September 2, 1977. Odis and Evonne were blessed with 47 years of marriage. After marrying, Odis became "Popa" to 4 children that he claimed as his own. In 1978 together they moved and made their home in Ashdown, AR. When moving to Ashdown Odis used his machining skills and established Odis Machine & Welding Shop which later became OMS, Inc. In 1980 he became a licensed minister with the UPCI. In 1990 while he still maintained the business he had established, they moved a short distance to Hooks, TX where he became the Pastor of Eastview Pentecostal Church.

From a young age he loved the Lord. He became a man of great unwavering faith. His love for God and a desire to study and grow in the knowledge of God's word led him to take evening college classes to study Greek and Hebrew and also led to the accumulation of a 3,000 plus book filled library. His love for God and a desire to see others serve the Lord was made evident by the countless sacrifices and investments he made into the Kingdom of God. He found his greatest joys in sharing the gospel, attending a Church service or a Southern gospel concert. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed every moment he was able to spend with them. He was a true Arkansas Razorback fan, win or lose. He also loved to support the Ashdown Panthers football team and could often be found in the crowd proudly wearing his purple and gold. He looked for a reason to get people together and have a good meal. If you knew him for very long you were going to be awarded with a nickname, and like it or not, that's what he was going to call you. He and Evonne opened their home and offered a safe place on many occasions to a person in need. Over the years they welcomed, fed, and offered a safe place to many of their kid's friends, whom almost always called him Popa. His love for wood working filled many days after he became disabled and he created some true masterpieces that will be cherished by anyone who was gifted one of these treasures.

Facing the challenges of failing health Odis and Evonne had to make the decision to resign after 25 years of Pastoring and after 38 years of being the proud owners of OMS, Inc they faced selling their business. In 2017 Odis and Evonne moved to Cabot, AR to be closer to family and their health care providers. While living in Cabot, AR he attended New Life Church Cabot.

Odis is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Mike Blackmon, a sister Sandra Blackmon, Paternal grandparents John & Janie Blackmon, Maternal Grandparents Oden & Ader Gentry, Inlaws Sam and Eula Mae Powell, grandchildren Quinton Wheeler, Parker Stroope, Asher Stroope, and Avery Stroope. Along with a host of family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory is his brother Donnie Blackmon of Hooks, TX. His sons Randall (Sheila) Wheeler of Foreman, AR, Preston (Rowena) Wheeler of Cove, AR, Damon (Linda) Wheeler of Duluth, MN and a daughter Shanna (Jeff) Stroope of Austin, AR. He will be greatly missed by his 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members.

As a business owner, Odis loved working with his hands, he took pride in his work, he loved a challenge, and he loved the host of friends and acquaintances he made in business owners, customers, and employees. He enjoyed countless conversations around a wood stove while sharing hubcap roasted peanuts or at a local restaurant lunch table. He looked forward to the company Christmas dinner and he absolutely loved the annual Customer Appreciation Day cook out.

As a Pastor, his love for Christ and people was shown through sacrifices and giving in ways only eternity will tell. He spent countless hours in prayer for the people he pastored, encouraged, taught, and mentored. The pages and pages of notes he made while he studied and prepared for a Bible Study or a sermon are incredible. Honestly, he never felt like he was able to do enough during his years of ministry. However, rest assured, a record was kept and without a doubt he heard the voice of Jesus say "Well done thy good and faithful servant, well done." I am sure he has a big house and a crown encrusted with jewels.

Funeral Services for Mr. Odis Blackmon will be held at 11:30 A.M., Saturday, October 4, 2025, in the Chandler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Travis Houston, Pastor Nate Smith, Bro. Richard Powell and Bro. OD Hobbs officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Wickes, Arkansas, under the direction of Chandler Funeral Home in De Queen, Arkansas. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. You may leave an online sympathy message at www.chandlerfuneral.com or you may visit Chandler Funeral Home on Facebook.