Wilburn Carl Olsen

Wilburn Olsen, 90, of Wingate, Texas passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 6, 1923 in San Angelo, Texas to William Frederick and Altie Mae Cox Olsen.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 11, 2013 at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Price Mathieson of Wingate Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Having a deep love of country, Wilburn proudly served his country during WWII in the South Pacific. He first served in the Merchant Marines, and then the US Army Air Corps. He saw service in Hawaii, Australia, New Guinea Island, Kwajalein Island, Philippine Islands, and Guam Island. He considered it an honor to be a part of the “Greatest Generation” and serve his country.

After the war, he returned home to his wife, Ruth, and they soon moved to Odessa, Texas. Using his craftsman’s skills, and willing to work hard, he began building houses. Soon, he was supervising the construction of major projects for Cooper Construction. After retiring from Cooper, Wilburn started Olsen Construction Company specializing in light commercial and custom homes.

Wilburn is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Ruth Olsen; son Mike Olsen and wife Carol; son Ron Olsen and special family member Dawn Edwards; four grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and a sister, Allene Johnson. Wilburn was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters and his daughter in-law Karen Olsen.

Wilburn loved the Lord, and was devoted to his wife and family. He also loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed visiting with friends around the kitchen table over a cup of coffee. We called him Oley, Dad, and Pops, but perhaps he’ll be remembered most as our Papa. What a Blessing he was to his family and friends.

We all love and miss you so very much Papa.