Richard O'Dell Bronson

Richard O’Dell Bronson, 82, of St. Cloud, FL, passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2012 following a very long illness. A member of a pioneer Osceola County family, O’Dell was born February 21, 1930 and was a lifelong resident of Osceola County, the son of Troy O’Dell and Marguerite Ivey Bronson. O’Dell welcomed both the social elite and the underdog to his table. His ambition, vision and determination led to his success as an iconic local builder/developer, citrus grower and cattle rancher. He was an avid fundraiser for the Osceola County YMCA, Lake Highland Preparatory School, First United Methodist Church of Kissimmee, as well as many other charitable organizations. He represented the Central Florida YMCA Indian Princess as Chief Iron Horse. He was a member of The United States Army Reserves, National Home Builders Association, Florida Citrus Mutual, University of Florida Bull Gator Club, Osceola County Chamber of Commerce, Osceola High School Boosters Club, Osceola Golden Brahmas Football Club, Florida Sheriff’s Association and The Doctor Dudley Johnson Heart Foundation. O’Dell was the builder and an original member of The Board of Directors of The Flagship Bank of Kissimmee. O’Dell was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend and is survived by his wife of 62 years, Madelyn K. Bronson; daughters, Renee Bronson (Gary Mogensen) and Cynthia L. Bronson; 9 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; brothers, William H. (Connie), Troy S. (Ruth); sisters, Geraldine McDowell, Della Jackson. O’Dell was preceded in death by his son, Richard O’Dell Bronson, Jr., his granddaughter, Lindsey Anne Hendrix, and his son-in-law, Daniel Maurice Tarrell. The family respectfully requests that should you wish to contribute food, please donate to the First United Methodist Church of Kissimmee Sunday Night Program or the Food Pantry. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the First United Methodist Church of Kissimmee, 101 W. Dakin Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34741. Memorial services will be held 2 P.M., Tuesday, July 17, 2012 in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church, Kissimmee. Following the service the family will receive friends in the fellowship hall for a time of visitation and refreshment. Friends and family are also encouraged to share their memories on-line at www.osceolamemgds.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Osceola Memory Gardens, Kissimmee, Florida 407-847-2494.

Richard O'Dell Bronson

February 21, 1930 - July 11, 2012