[1][2] Odell served two terms as supervisor of Shelby Township, Michigan.

On November 5, 1912, Odell was elected to the Michigan Senate where he represented the 26th district from January 1, 1913, to December 31, 1916.

In 1916, Odell was elected to the position of Michigan State Treasurer, and began serving in this capacity in 1917.

[3] On May 21, 1919, Odell resigned from this position to become a member of the Michigan Public Utilities Commission.

He was interred at Oakhill Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Michigan.