Gene Alan Olson

Gene Alan Olson, 78, of Olathe, passed away on April 5, 2018 in Louisburg, KS. He was born on April 15, 1939 to Roy and Letha (Babcock) Olson in Lawrence, KS.

Gene lived in Kansas City until his family moved to Linwood, Kansas where he grew up. He attended Linwood schools participating in 6-man football, track and basketball. He graduated from Linwood High School in 1957 and was a lifelong Bulldog. After high school he travelled to Alaska, pre-statehood, to fight forest fires. Upon returning, he entered the US Navy and served 4 years as a radioman on sea planes based out of San Diego. On November 28, 1964 he married Thyrza Sue Winkelman in Linwood, Kansas. They remained married until the time of his passing. In 1969 they moved to Olathe. Gene worked for most of his career in the Electronics Distribution industry retiring in 2006. After retiring he became involved in many volunteer activities. He volunteered with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department in the Civil Division and Good News Club at Westview Elementary in Olathe. He worked tirelessly for Heartland Honor Flights helping take veterans to Washington DC. Gene loved the outdoors and hunting, and always had fun even if the hunting wasn't good. He was active on church boards and committees, he had been an elder, deacon, and Sunday School teacher, and went on many church youth trips. Gene & Thyrza also spent many summers camping, often with the Weldins to Wyoming, Montana, and Utah, with Montana being his favorite. Gene enjoyed Big Sky Country and the many friends he made along the way. He was able to fulfil every boy's dream of being a fireman, biker, big game hunter, cowboy, and policeman all in one lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Roy and Letha Olson and his brother Roy Olson. Gene is survived by his loving wife, Thyrza; children, Scott Olson, and Melanie Rudy (Jeff); and sister's Maxine Burner and Beverly Tallman (Dick).

The family will receive guests for a visitation from 9:00-10:15am on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at Community Covenant Church in Lenexa, the funeral service will follow at 10:30am. Burial will take place in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Olathe at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Heartland Honor Flights or the Missions Department at Lenexa Community Covenant Church.






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