Tributes

William Bill Eugene Olson, was born in San Diego California, October 4, 1932 to Juanita Belle Clark & William Bruce Olson. He grew up in Norwalk, California, where he attended Excelsior High School. Bill served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed in Macon, Georgia, at Warner-Robbins Air Force Base where he met his beloved wife, Dorothy Mae Jarrett Olson in February of 1953. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married on July 14, 1953, at Maple White Baptist Church. Bill and Dorothy were blessed with three children, William Bruce Olson II, Victoria Ann, and David Clark. He worked at Kelly AFB, San Antonio, TX, with many overseas travels that he enjoyed. Among the countries visited were Malaysia, Indonesia, Columbia, Vietnam, Okinawa, Hong Kong, China, Russia, and many others. In his service he received citations and awards of which was one for his work as Country Manager to Indonesia for providing timely assistance to obtain parts for the repair of a liquid oxygen compressor in that country. He was also named Mr. Aerospace Ground Equipment Mr. AGE in November 1964. Bill was awarded 1st Class Armed Forces Honor Medal from the Republic of Vietnam in January 1973 and the USA Award Medal for Civilian Service in Vietnam in March 1973. After retirement of 32 years from civil service and residing in San Antonio for most of his life, Bill and Dorothy moved to Brackettville, Texas, residing on Fort Clark Springs. At Fort Clark he was a proud member of the Fort Clark Historical Society and served as a guide at the Fort Clark Museum where he was able to use his expansive knowledge of the fort and surrounding area. He also was a member of Rio Grande Electric Company Advisory Committee and a Lifetime member of the National Rifle Association since 1969. Religion was a major part of Bill's life. He was a former member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church where he sung in the choir and served as church treasurer; Sherrill Hills Baptist Church where he was an ordained deacon; and a current member of First Baptist Church in Brackettville where he was on several committees including Nominating, Pastoral Search and Building & Grounds. At First Baptist, Bill was a greeter, sang in the choir and also performed solos as special music during church services. With religion and music such a part of his life, during his hospital stay his favorite hymns were played constantly which he really enjoyed. Bill is survived by his wife, Dorothy, after 60 years of marriage; son, William Bruce Olson; daughter, Victoria Ann Freilich and her husband Leonard; and son, David Clark Olson and his wife Danielle. Also survived by five grandchildren, Adam Bruce Olson, Christina Ann Freilich, Caitlin Marie Freilich, Julia Marie Olson and Jennifer Elyse Olson.

Tributes

William Eugene Olson

October 4, 1932 - August 7, 2013