On a very cold morning of Jan 20, 1939, in Mesa Arizona another "little child of God" came into this world. Loving parents, Odie LaRue and Janet Holley LaRue awaited his arrival along with his 2 sisters, Lora and Cora. This little 10 lb. child was named Odie Nevell. However, most of his adult life he was known by co-workers and friends as Frenchy. He was born at home, which was very common at that time, on the LaRue family farm. In the early months of his life he struggled greatly with digestive complications and all though it was a financial hardship for his parents, his doctor suggested goat's milk might save his life. His parents were blessed and able to obtain a goat and their baby boy thrived. Frenchy was a sweet and easy going little boy. When he was approximately 4 years old, his slightly older cousin found a small can of DARK green paint and a paint brush, the cousin convinced Frenchy they should put the paint to good use, and the cousin proceeded to paint Frenchy from head to toe with bright Christmas tree green paint. Frenchy's two sisters relayed how difficult THAT cleanup was. Frenchy finished his schooling in Mesa and at 19 years of age he married Joann Fetty and about the same time started working as an asbestos worker insulating for Heat and Frost Insulators Union Local #5 and continued in that line of work for another 45 years. Shortly after their marriage they moved to California where there 5 children were born. There were 3 sons Russell, Kevin, and David and then 2 little daughters Janet and Yvonne. Some of his best friends and co-workers Jerry Garner and Dennis Lopez have many stories to tell about the humor they shared during their years of working together. Frenchy's friends could say that "Frenchy was a very dear friend". Frenchy married Carolyn in 1981. After retirement, he helped his wife at the Red Wagon Cafe in Shafter. The regular customers enjoyed his sense of humor and his daily jokes, and on some days he treated the customers to some singing as he worked in the kitchen. Frenchy and Carolyn enjoyed many travels together, but one of his favorite activities was bowling. In 2004, his son David passed away shortly after Frenchy was diagnosed with lung cancer. With the loss of his son, his illness became more difficult for him. However, he always presented a positive attitude and never complained of his trials. His passion for dogs was a great part of his life and helped him immensely. This past June Frenchy learned from his oncologist that his cancer had returned after 10 years, and he was this doctor's longest living survivor. Positive attitude and prayer, his family feels contributed to this success. Frenchy took his last trip away from home to attend his granddaughter's wedding this past June in Sedona, Arizona, determined to attend and to everyone's surprise he was able to go over with his caregiver Shanda by his side. Who was the happiest; was it Frenchy or the bride and groom? Upon his return home, his health deteriorated quickly. His daughter Janet, from Texas, was able to spend the past few weeks with him. Frenchy loved and appreciated his dear sister-in-law Shirley; who stopped by frequently with homemade Red Wagon specials as well as making sure everything was okay. The LaRue family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to his caregiver Shanda Beckemeyer who we consider our angel and we thank her from the bottom of our hearts for always being there for all of us. Frenchy returned to his heavenly father on August 22nd surrounded by his family. He touched so many in a positive way and our lives are better by his example. He will be truly missed. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 26 at 1pm at Peters Funeral Home, Shafter for Odie Nevell LaRue, age 75, of Bakersfield who passed away August 22, 2014 in Bakersfield. Pastor Dean Long of the Shafter Freewill Baptist Church will officiate and interment will follow at Shafter Memorial Park. A visitation will be held Monday, August 25 at Peters Funeral Home from 4pm-8pm. The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations made be made to Optimal Hospice or your favorite charity.