Don Gerald Olmstead

Don Olmstead, beloved husband and father, was born December 17, 1924, and raised in Seward, Nebraska. His childhood years were spent at his parents’ apple orchard. His ancestors were Nebraska pioneers. During WWII Don served in the Army Military Police in India and Ceylon, with the Allied Southeast Asia Command Headquarters of Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten. Don graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. He was employed with Vickers Inc. (now Eaton) for 40 years, in Vickers Aerospace Engineering in Michigan and Jackson, Mississippi. Don was a brilliant engineer; he specialized in design and analysis of high pressure hydraulic machines, conducted engineering seminars, wrote engineering booklets and technical publications. While living in Michigan Don presented Sunday sermonettes for Unitarian teens.

Don and Patricia were married in 1948, lived in Michigan for 25 years, and were transferred to Jackson in 1976. Don was a loving husband, a quiet, gentle man who loved his family and always enjoyed providing new learning experiences for his children. He was an honorable man remembered for his dignity and loyalty.

He was preceded in death by his son Daniel Olmstead, grandson Orion Parks, brother Kenneth Olmstead, and sister Helen Jean Beatty.

He is survived by his wife Patricia, sons Paul R. Olmstead (Elmeda) of Silver Springs, FL, Montgomery G. Olmstead (Sarah) of Luther, MI, daughters Diana Olmstead of Port Orange FL, Mystica Olmstead of Frederick, MD, Rebecca J. Olmstead of Dallas, TX, sister Ruth Thompson of Wahoo, NE, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and his devoted, loving care giver Catherine McQuinn.

Don passed away Friday July 11, 2014 at his home in Pearl.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00pm Monday, July 14, 2014 at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. The family will receive friends from 5:00pm – 7:00pm.

Memorial donations may be made to Mississippi Animal Rescue League (MARL) or the charity of your choice.