Edwin Stanhope Olsmith

Edwin S. Olsmith, Jr., Colonel, US Amy Retired, passed away on November 26, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas after a short illness. Ed spent the last 36 years of his life in San Antonio and will be bruied with military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Ed Olsmith, Jr. was born in Dallas, Texas on December 13, 1934, the older of two sons born to Edwin and Ruth Olsmith. Both parents and his brother preceded him in death. Ed graduated from Highland Park High School in Dallas where he began his lifelong association with the Military as a Junior ROTC cadet. Eds love of the Military was fostered by his Uncle Vernon, a retired Army Colonel, with whom Ed spent many summers at various Military Posts. After a preparatory year at Texas A&M, Ed entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point graduating in 1957 with a commission of 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army's Field Artillery branch.

A 30 year distinguished Army career as a Field Artillery and Army Aviation officer was highlighted by a combat tour in Vietnam, two tours in the Pentagon in the Army Chief of Staffs office and in the Army Inspector Generals Office, Battalion Commanader of a 155 MM Artillery Battalion, attendance at the US Army War College, Commander of an Army Reserve Readiness Group, Commander of a US Army Nuclear Weapons Brigade in Greece, Deputy Assistant Commandant of the US Armys Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and his last assignment: President of the Physical Evaluation Board at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. In each assignment Colonel Olsmith served with distinction, evidenced by award 3 Legions of Merit, 4 Bronze Stars, 3 Meritorius Service Medals, 2 Air Medals and numerous other US and Foreign decorations.

After retirement from the US Amy, Ed met and married the love of his life, Lola, also a retired US Army Colonel. The two of them became world travelers, visiting over 100 countries and taking 43 ocean cruises. Ed also enjoyed golf and poker with his old Army buddies. He was indeed a man of accomplishment and distinguished service to his Nation.

Ed was also preceded in death by his daughter Nancy from a previous marriage. Ed is survived by his wife Lola, residing in San Antonio.

A time of vistation with the family is scheduled from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Porter Loring Mortuary North. Interment with Military Honors will take place on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 9:00 AM at Ft Sam Houston Nation Cemetery.