Capt. Howard William Olmsted (USMC, Retired)

Capt. Howard William Olmsted (USMC Retired), age 81, of Tyler, passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, surrounded by his loving family. Howard was born on April 1, 1931 in Akron, Ohio to William Edward and Meryl Olmsted; they preceded him in death. Shortly after high school, he began a three decade long career serving his country as a proud member of the United States Marines. He married the love of his life, Maybelle Joan Hailey, and together they spent almost 50 years as best friends, living a life-time of memories until her passing on June 30, 2004. Poppy, as he was affectionately known, was a stranger to no one. He loved the Texas Rangers and Andy Griffith, but his happiest moments were spent sharing time with his children and his grandchildren.

Howard is survived by one daughter, Andrea Freeman, and husband Tony, of Flint; grandchildren, Nick Freeman of North Carolina, Toby Freeman of Tyler, and Lilly Olmsted of Bentonville, Arkansas; sister, Andrea Joenseth of California; brother, David Olmsted of Washington; daughter-in-law, Stacy Olmsted-Green of Bentonville, Arkansas; and by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and very special friends.

He was also preceded in death by one son, Howard William Olmsted, II.

A memorial service for Howard “Poppy” Olmsted will be held at 7:00 P.M., Monday, November 5, 2012 at Southern Oaks Baptist Church with Brother Larry Craig and Brother Larry Melhart officiating. Burial will take place on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at Fairview Cemetery, in Joplin, Missouri, with Brother Larry Melhart officiating and under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd. Tyler, TX 75701; or Toys for Tots, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172