Byron Henry Ollendike

Byron Henry Ollendike, 89, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2024, with his loving wife by his side. Friends are invited to gather Saturday, August 24, at Community United Methodist Church, 3301 W Broadway, Columbia, Missouri. Visitation will be from 1–2 pm followed by a Celebration of Life at 2 pm.

Byron was born May 15, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Byron Henry Ollendike, Sr., and Amy Schoolfield. In 1955, he graduated from Randolph-Macon Military Academy in Front Royal, Virginia. Following high school, he joined the United States Air Force and served stateside during the Cold War in Maine guarding a fleet of B-52 Bombers. After his discharge from service, he spent time sailing the Caribbean and along the East Coast and served as a Chief Engineer for Windjammer Cruises. He moved to Nebraska to pursue a degree, but soon found a career as an elevator mechanic. He worked a few years in Omaha before taking a job in Columbia, eventually retiring from Otis Elevator Company. Soon after moving to Columbia, he married Joyce Baker Hollinger in Elkton, Maryland, on December 24, 1976, and became father to Rob, Eric, and Richard Hollinger. They shared over 48 wonderful years together.

In his free time, he enjoyed skeet shooting and sporting clays. He was a gifted artisan with wood, both in restoration and building, including numerous pieces for their home and New Horizons Church. He continued to enjoy woodworking and antique restoration throughout his life.

He is survived by his brother John Ollendike; wife, Joyce Ollendike; sons, Rob Hollinger and Eric (Lauren) Hollinger; grandchildren, BreAnn Hollinger, Madilyn Hollinger, Sarah Hollinger, Lexie (Connor) Darrough, and Anna Hollinger; great-grandchildren Hudson Richard, Stella, and Evelyn Darrough; several nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Cease Ollendike, and extended family and special friends, Thresa Berkely, Ralph and Becky Terwelp and family, and Greg and Connie Morgan and family. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Ollendike; sister, Amy Mason; son, Richard Evan Hollinger; and grandson, Evan Hollinger.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Community United Methodist Church or the Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com