Obituary of Joseph L. Oda

Joseph Laamea Tatsuo Oda Age 85, of Lakewood, WA and Honolulu, HI, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, May 9, 2012. Born on July 2, 1926 in Pearl City, Oahu, he was the son of Harley Otoichi Oda and Clara Keoho Hoe Oda. He devoted his adult years to the service of his country in the United States Army and was a veteran of three wars. He retired at Ft Lewis, WA in 1968. Throughout his military career he was known for his skills in logistics and his kindness and fairness during inspections. He was also known for his musical talent, often entertaining the troops singing his beloved Hawaiian melodies; he later continued to teach his grand and great-grand children the art of singing Hawaiian songs. He also loved listening to classical music, operas and musicals. Upon conclusion of his military carrier he was employed by Hooker Chemicals in Tacoma, and later took an overseas assignment with Control Data GmbH in Frankfurt, Germany. Upon final retirement in 1991 he and his family re-established their home in Lakewood, WA. He continued his passion for the outdoors, gardening, and most of all he loved fishing. He taught all his children, grand-children and many friends how to catch the "Big One". He loved to entertain his family and friends with his cooking skills. Everyone looked forward to his "famed" smoked and grilled salmon, BBQ ribs, potato salad, and sushi (amongst some of his delights). Another of Joe's passions was travelling around the world and learning about different cultures with his beloved wife Edie. He travelled to every continent, sailed the seven seas, and touched many faraway corners of this world. Most of all, Joe was a proud and loving family man. Joe is survived by his wife of 60 years, Edith (Edie), his children Viola Ching (Terry), Harley Oda (Irene), Patrick Oda (Annmarie), and Naomi Lehman (David), his grand-children Stephanie McNeilley, Jeffrey Ching, Jason Ching, Giulietta Oda, Alexandre Oda, Ginny Lehman, and James Lehman, and seven great-grand-children. He will be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery in a private ceremony, followed by a "Celebration of Life" on Saturday, 19 May, 2012 ,11:00 AM, at Lakewood Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10202 112th Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98498. 253-584-4615. A luncheon is to follow. Donations may be made in Joe's honor to Lakewood Evangelical Lutheran Church. Please sign the online guestbook at www.curnowfuneralhome.com.