Former Arkansas-side Director Travis Odom dies at 81
TEXARKANA, Ark. — Former Ward 4 director Travis Odom died Monday at age 81.
Odom served on the city Board of Directors for five years. He was elected in 2014 to fill the Ward 4 seat vacated by Chad Dowd, who had held it since a 2005 appointment, and he was re-elected in 2018. Odom resigned in January, citing health concerns.
Odom lived in Texarkana, Ark., since he was 5 years old, according to previous Gazette reports. He is survived by his wife, Dona, two daughters, a son and five grandchildren.
He retired after a 25-year career as an administrative hearing officer with the Driver Control section of the Arkansas Department of
Finance and Administration. He was also a former Miller County correctional officer and youth football referee.
Local officials on Tuesday praised Odom’s dedication to public service.
Ruth Penney-Bell, who served as mayor for most of Odom’s tenure on the Board, recalled his concern for the entire city and the seriousness with which he considered each vote.
“I am proud to have served with Travis. I could not have asked for a more supportive council member. Travis was there strictly for the right reason, to serve. His ward could not have had a more sincere and diligent representative. He felt it was not just a responsibility but an honor to serve on the Board,” she said.
Mayor Allen Brown said he had a friendship with Odom for more than 35 years.
“He was a great person, family man and leader. He enjoyed representing his constituent of his ward, as well as representing Texarkana, Arkansas.
“He had his own way of dealing with people, whether it was handling difficult problems in his job, city issues or even an angry football coach. Travis always handled it professionally. Our condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed,” Brown said.
City Manager Kenny Haskin added to the compliments.
“It was my privilege to have known and worked closely with him, and I considered him a friend as well. His commitment to serving the citizens of his ward and our entire city was unmatched. He worked quietly behind the scenes and never once sought personal recognition or glory.
“Travis was also committed to city staff, often putting forth an effort to ensure that staff felt recognized and appreciated. We have all missed his presence on the Board since his retirement a few months ago. It was truly an honor and blessing to have worked with this humble and devoted public servant,” Haskin said.
Odom’s funeral arrangements are pending with Texarkana Funeral Home, Arkansas.
In February, the Board appointed Ulysses Brewer to represent Ward 4 through Odom’s unexpired term, which ends Dec. 31, 2022.
Ward 4 is bordered by Realtor Avenue to the north, East 18th Street to the south, Jefferson Avenue to the east and State Line Avenue to the west.