Sad News…John “Digger” Odell

In from John and Margie Bartley:

It is with great sadness and regret that I send along the news of the passing today of John “Digger” Odell. In a call I received from John Wolf this afternoon, I understand arrangements are being made by the Mueller Parker Funeral Home in Mason, Ohio where the obituary and information regarding services will be posted. Our prayers are with his family and many friends. See Obituary Notice

John A. “Digger” Odell

(October 30, 1948 – October 27, 2011)

Savannah GA Show 2003 - Digger Odell and his many books

[PRG] Elizabeth and I last sat in on a lecture that John gave at one of the recent FOHBC nationals on the ‘state of the bottle collecting hobby’. John had so much passion and knowledge. I felt so small and was humbled and very appreciative by what he gave back to the hobby. May he rest in peace. His many books and his legend will live on. He also dug one of my most prized bitters barrels being the green Ballentine, Highland Bitters and Scotch Tonic. Not a scratch on it. No cleaning needed. Resting peacefully under a tree root. Only he would find. My bottle is even more special now.

John Odell lecturing on the Bottle Collecting Hobby

Digger Odell Publications

http://www.bottlebooks.com/ (John Odell Web Site)