Stephen B. Odle

Stephen (Steve) Odle was known for his devotion to family, incomparable service to others and his unwavering love of God, through Jesus Christ.

His adoration of music was a constant thread throughout his life. This love sparked joy, inspiration, influence and connection amongst Steve and those he met along the way.

Steve transitioned from this earthly life being surrounded by his wife and children, aunts: Susan & Mary and Pastor John Russell, at his bedside. Knowing his genuine love for music, Steve’s final minutes were spent listening to Oldies but Goodies, spiritual music and even his very own Words of Wisdom songs.
He was preceded in death by his father: Samuel Lee Odle, mother: Helen Robbins Clay, step-father Richard Clay, brothers: Ray Kinsey, Kenneth Kinsey and sisters: Sharon Johnson (Carl), Jean Redd (Donald), and Ethel Louise Kinsey, step-brothers: Donald Clay, step-sister: Emily Clay-Robinson

Steve was born in Indianapolis on October 6, 1951 and reared by his mother and stepfather: Helen and Richard Clay. He acknowledged his faith in God at an early age while attending St. John A.M.E. Church, serving as an active member in Sunday school, the usher board, laymen’s group and the youth choir. Perhaps it was the many Sundays spent singing in church that fostered and nurtured his lifelong love of music.

He attended Flanner House, attended IPS Riverside School #44, Westlane Middle School and graduated from North Central High School in 1969. Following high school, he attended college at Indiana University/Purdue University. While at IUPUI he became one of the founding members of the University’s Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. chapter in 1971.

Music was a constant in the life of Steve as he along with Herman and Karen Slaughter, sisters: Rosa and Mable Hart formed the R&B music group Words of Wisdom in 1971. They traveled all across North America performing their hit songs alongside artist like James Brown, The O’Jays, King Solomon Burke, and Curtis Mayfield. Steve’s soulful voice was featured on albums in the 70’s and his influence is still being felt today. It was legendary artist Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, who cited Steve’s group, in an interview, saying in part: “Words of Wisdom had already made it, and they were who we were trying to be. They were like superstars.” Most recently, the group’s work was sampled by multiple rap artists – Tobi and Smino.

In 1970, Steve became a father to his first son, Corey Griffin. Then, in 1971, he was introduced by a dear friend and fraternity brother, Herman King to the charming and effervescent Elizabeth “Liz” Johnson. D
During a time when college students were protesting and fighting for better rights for African Americans, the young, like-minded activist couple fell in love, married in 1973 and soon had two children: Shawn and Keia.

Steve joined the Indianapolis Police Department in 1980. One of his proudest moments as an officer happened during his first year, when he was named Rookie of the Year in 1981 for reducing residential burglaries by 87% in the Brightwood area within a 60-day period. Over his 29 years career with IPD, he worked in multiple departments and advanced to a Lieutenant. His work as an officer led to many more fulfilling memories, special recognitions and honors, including Outstanding Young Men of America award (1986), Sexual /Family Abuse Unit Citation (1989), Ruthann Popcheff Memorial Award, Leadership Award from Fairness in Law Enforcement and multiple letters of Commendations.

Steve’s passion for music intersected his police career in the 1980s, when he along with fellow officers created a signing group called the Shades of Blue. The group performed around the city of Indianapolis at various schools and community events. He was truly passionate about Indianapolis. His long-range vision was to be instrumental in developing police department programs that would be more proactive toward stopping crime and to have a more positive effect on our City’s neighborhoods. As a Youth Services Commander for the department, he was able to see parts of his vision come to life, prior to his retirement from IPD in 2009 …. but his legacy lives on.

His passion for his children and community came together through his coaching and mentoring of youth. He volunteered as a 100 Black Men of Indianapolis team mentor, United Way Read Up program tutor, Boy Scout Troop Leader, Circle City Classic Committee member and a coach for a variety of youth sports.

As a man of faith, he was a devoted member of The University United Methodist Church. He was an active member of the Methodist Men, Church choirs, Young Lions mentoring program and was the Outreach Committee co-chair prior to his health issues. On his final day of life, Sunday, June 19, 2022, he listened to the UUMC Father’s Day Service which was dedicated in his honor.

One of Steve’s favorite biblical verses was Proverbs 16:9: A man’s heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directive his steps. He accepted these words as a guidance for his life, letting God direct his steps.

A few years ago, a loving church member wrote the following about Steve:

“Steve states that he believes that the answer to all of the complicated issues of today fall within the hands of Jesus Christ. As Christians we can identify with this.”

Those words still hold today.

To continue to celebrate his life Steve leaves his wife Elizabeth “Liz” Odle of 48 years, sons: Corey, Shawn (Pendana), daughter Keia (Jesse), brothers: David (Melaine), Sam (Alexis) and sister Charlotte (Will), step sisters: Anita and Alice Clay, grandchildren: Jazsmine, Corey Jr, Caleb, Jackson, Jazmine and Jason and a host of additional family members.
Steve was loved by many, and he will be missed. However, his connections to all that he interacted will continue to live on, through his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.