Gary Leo Olson

Gary Leo Olson

Jan. 5, 1956 - Jan. 23, 2013

CULBERTSON, Nebraska -- Gary Leo Olson of rural Culbertson passed away Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado. He was 57 years old.

Gary was born on Jan.15, 1956, at Chadron, Nebraska to Leo Warren and Joyce (Riddle) Olson. He graduated from Chadron High School in 1974.

He entered the US Air Force on Nov. 25, 1974, and was stationed in Iceland, Greenland and Turkey. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 24, 1978. After he returned home from the service, he started working for the phone company in Chadron. In 1982, he was transferred to North Platte and later to McCook in 1987. He saw many changes as well ownerships in the phone industry, most recently Century Link, having devoted almost 34 years of service.

His passion was his grandchildren, with whom he spent countless hours doing anything they wanted. He also enjoyed Husker football and fishing. He was a devote Christian, attending First Assembly of God Church, taking a Mission Trip to Mexico to help build homes and an orphanage, and helping anyone in need whether it be monetary gifts, his time, or prayers.

Gary was united in marriage to Donna LaRae Hagan on Nov. 13, 1982. Together they raised their four children. They lived a short time in McCook before building their present home near Culbertson.

Preceding him in death were his father, Leo Olson and precious daughter, Amanda Olson in 1999.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Olson of Culbertson; children, Jason Phillips and wife, Megan, of North Platte, Curtis Olson of Culbertson and Christin and husband, Colby Claflin, of McCook; four grandchildren, Jayd, Josslyn, Landon and Tayton; mother, Joyce Olson of McCook; brothers, Robert Langston of Lusk, Wyoming, Lance Olson of Norton, Kansas and Murray Olson of San Diego, California; sister, Carol and husband, Wayne Shepherd, of North Platte; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, from 1- 8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook. Friends may send words of comfort and condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Funeral services will be Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, 1:30 p.m., at First Baptist Church in McCook with Pastor K.C. Harryman and Pastor Jamie Mockry officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.