PROVO — Former BYU All-American wide receiver Phil Odle died unexpectedly at home Sunday of chronic lung problems. He was 63.
A 5-foot-11 split end who grew up in Elgin, Ill., and arrived in Provo after a stint in San Diego with the Marine Corps, the Cougars' Odle earned all-Western Athletic Conference honors three straight years, from 1965-67.
The Cougars' featured receiver in the 1967 season, his 77 receptions set a WAC record, as did his 25 touchdowns.
His 183 career catches were the second most in NCAA history, and he held BYU career records for pass receptions, total receiving yards and total touchdowns for more than two decades.
Invited to every postseason collegiate all-star game, he elected to participate in the East-West Shrine Game, Hula Bowl and Coaches All-America Game.
He was named to the Dell Sports all-America first team and given BYU's Dale Rex Memorial Award for his contribution to amateur athletics in the state.
Selected in the fifth round of the 1968 NFL Draft by Detroit, Odle had a three-year career with the Lions and appeared in double-digit games his first two seasons.
He later was employed as a salesman by several auto dealerships through Utah Valley and remained active in local community affairs.
Survivors include his wife, Susan Lynn Kisselburg Odle, two children and three grandchildren.
Funeral services will be today at 1 p.m. at the Orem Sunset Heights Sixth Ward at 500 S. 600 West in Orem. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Phil Odle Memorial Fund at any Capital Community Bank branch.