Elder Michael Warren Oden Sr

 The Obituary

Elder Michael Warren Oden Sr. was born on April 19, 1960 in Cleveland, Ohio to the parentage of Donald and LaVerne Oden. He received his education in the Cleveland Public Schools System. Elder Oden accepted the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into his life as a teenager and was baptized. After graduating from Glenville High School in 1978, Elder Oden moved to Columbus, Ohio to attend The Ohio State University. While in Columbus he joined Meredith Temple C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of the late Pastor Hezekiah Meredith, and continued as a faithful servant under Pastor William Meredith Sr. until his death. In addition to being an ordained Elder, he had many roles in the church over the years that included Sunday School teacher, Bible Study teacher, VBS Director, church van driver, Community Outreach Leader, and Food Pantry Coordinator. Elder Oden’s passion was for helping the community and those in need. Elder Oden was also affectionately known by the church members as the “Great Illustrator” because of the props he used when preaching. 

On May 22, 1982 Elder Oden married the love of his life, Cynthia, in Cleveland, Ohio. To this union were born two children, Monica and Michael. Elder Oden worked hard throughout the years in different retail and warehouse positions to support his family. 

Elder Michael Oden Sr. is preceded in death by his father, Donald Oden Sr.; brother, Donald Oden Jr.; his stepfather who raised him, Frank J. Witt; and stepsister, Vivian Witt.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 42 years, Missionary Cynthia Oden; daughter, Monica Oden; son, Michael Oden II; grandson, Addam Oden; granddaughter Najoura Oden; mother, LaVerne Robinson Oden Witt; brothers, Gary Oden, Theron Witt, and Robert Witt; sisters, Rhonda (Arthur) Furlow and Paulette Witt; mother-in-law, Clara (Al) Barrow; sister-in-law, Joan Collins; brother-in-law, George Collins III; many nephews, nieces, and cousins; godchildren, TrahMaine Dawson, Janicee (Dwight) Willis, Ronita Martin, and Mylan Hampton.

Elder Oden also leaves to cherish his memory a host of extended family, special friends, adopted godchildren, and adopted grandchildren that affectionately called him “Big Mike”.