Ollison. Adolphus graduated from Central High School in Sioux City, Iowa in 1958. After
graduating high school Adolphus attended Morgan State University but shortly after, made the
decision to join the United States Army. After being honorably discharged from the United
States Army, Adolphus was successful in many careers ranging from a mortician to police
officer but ultimately found his passion as a USDA federal food inspector. During his 40 year
career as a federal employee, he received many monetary and merit awards,
along with many certificates acknowledging his great service. Adolphus took pride in being one
of the toughest inspectors in the industry. After retiring in Des Moines, Iowa and relocating to
Las Vegas, Adolphus became an employee for UNLV and the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Although retired, Adolphus carried the same strong work ethic and dedication which resulted in
many customer service awards.
In addition to being a proud federal employee, Adolphus was a proud member and leader in
Prince Hall Grand Lodge F. & A.M. He twice served as Most Worshipful Grand Master of The
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Iowa Jurisdiction from 1976-1978 and 1989-1991.
He was also a dedicated member of Decatur Lodge #14, Sioux City, Iowa. Along with being a
member of the William F. Powell consistory 33°. Adolphus was a mentor to many, both as a
Grand Master and member of the community.
Many young men have stated they owe their success to the guidance and support given to
them by Adolphus. Adolphus was an active member of his church community as well. Adolphus
served as a church deacon at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan in addition
to serving as a deacon in Des Moines, Iowa at Corinthian Baptist Church. Adolphus was a
current member of Victory Missionary Baptist Church.
Adolphus was loved by many and he truly was a wonderful husband and family man. He was
looked up to as a father figure by many of his cousins. Adolphus is survived by his wife of 51
years, Bernice Ollison, four children; Brian Ollison, Kevin Ollison, Marissa Ollison(Woodbeck),
and Judith Williams, ten grandchildren; Ethan Garrigan, Caleb Garrigan, DeAndre Goetz, Evan
Jones, Shrae Garrigan, Hayla Ollison, Roenn Ollison, Raylin Woodbeck, Amaya Woodbeck,
and Ossie Adolphus Ollison, along with his half-sister Geraldine Sullivan and nephew John
Wright. Adolphus was not only a loving husband to Bernice, he was an amazing father, and a
spectacular grandfather to his grandchildren that he greatly enjoyed spending time with and
never missed a chance to brag on them and let others know how proud he was of them.
Adolphus was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Henrietta Wright, son Jeffrey
Garrigan, and nephew Michael Wright.
