Charlie Odean

C harles W ilhelm K ocsis O dean, best known as Charlie, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Friday, June 12, 2020, at the age of 17.

We don’t know when Charlie was born, but in early August of 2003 he showed up at C & Sycamore, hungry and homeless, then was taken in by Dodie and was instantly loved by her and Rick. Charlie’s name was inspired from a story the kids read at school; Charlie Anderson was about a cat with two homes, so that fit him well. Because of Charlie and hopes for extending the family, the Odeans soon purchased a house with a beautiful, fenced in yard fit for a cat. No matter how nice and safe it was, Charlie was not content with staying in, he loved jumping the fence and roaming free but careful to not go too far and best of all, he always returned.

He loved the great outdoors, looking for mice and bunnies, bird watching (with occasional catch and release), sun bathing, slumming it in the alleys, hanging out under the neighbor’s bush or in the circle. If a cat has 9 lives, Charlie used them all. From being homeless, to being shot, and then there was the time he tried jumping the fence and his collar got stuck...But in the end it was the fact he was old and his health was declining.

Charlie was a great cat and the oldest of five. He was blessed as a 'Catlic' by Father Jim and wasn’t afraid of visitors or children and had to sniff everyone’s breath as they came in, for reasons only he knew. He loved going to Cody Park to see the animals, rolling in catnip, jumping in piles of paper, snuggling in bed, giving his mom French kisses and playing with his toys, bungie mouse was his favorite and there just wasn’t much of it left after so many years.

Charlie was also smart, he knew his name and would respond when called but not always come. Charlie liked signing his name to certain things and was also an artist in the litter box. He could create the shapes of lobsters, sting rays, Mickey Mouse and a perfect heart, ‘Charlie PeeCaso’ we would call him.

We are grateful for so many years with Charlie and thank Dr. Rick Keeten and Dr. Kira Kautz for all their veterinarian care over the years. Charlie could be a bit difficult at the doctor’s office but they, like us, never gave up on him.

It’s hard to believe that after nearly 17 years we had to say good-bye. He leaves behind his family which includes Dodie and Rick Odean, Grace, Oscar and Leo; and many extended family members.

Charlie was preceded in death by his sister, Molly, just nine months ago.

Cremation was chosen. If anyone would like to share a memorial, memorials are to Fur the Love of Paws to help other homeless cats.