David Scott Olson, Lt Col. USAF (Ret) went home to be with his heavenly family Tuesday, September 13, 2011. He was surrounded by family and especially his loving wife of 48 years, Toni Olson.
David was born in Kenedy, Texas August 14, 1940, to Paul Bernard and Winnie Ruth Scott Olson. He grew up on the family farm in Pawnee, TX. He attended public school in Pawnee, and graduated Valedictorian of his high school graduating class in 1958.
Dave and Claudia Antoinette ‘Toni’ Hensell were married June 1, 1963, in Toni’s hometown of Fredericksburg, TX.
David graduated from Southwest Texas State College with a BS in Chemistry in 1962. He accepted a commission into the United States Air Force as a 2nd lieutenant and immediately began work on his MA in Physical Chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin. Upon completion of his degree, Toni and Dave relocated to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Co, where he began his lifelong career as a teacher and mentor. The family returned to Texas in 1968 with daughter Teri, for Dave to begin his continuing studies in chemistry. He completed his PhD in 1970. During their time in Austin, Vicki was added to the family, and upon returning to the Air Force Academy in 1970, David, Jr. was born. David completed a 23 year career in the USAF and retired in 1985, having achieved the rank of Lt Col. He subsequently continued to work as technical program manager for Hughes Corp., Kaman Sciences, and ITT Corp., all headquartered in Albuquerque, NM, with final retirement in August 2008. He is remembered by family and friends as a positive influence in scholarly achievement, as well as church, family, and community endeavors.
David is survived by his wife Toni, daughters Teri Lea Olson Gruda and husband Jeff of Albuquerque, Vicki Ruth Olson Morana and husband John of Portland, OR, and son, Dr. David S. Olson, Jr., MD, of Albuquerque. He is survived by four grandchildren, Keaton and Lauren Gruda and Kylie and Vincent Morana. David is also survived by his brother Doug Olson and wife Lucie of San Antonio, TX., three sisters-in-law: Jimmie Hensell, Corpus Christi, TX, Cathryn Hensell-Morales and husband Pete of Fredericksburg, TX, Jean Hensell Andrews and Josyph of Knoxville, IA, and brother-in-law James L. Hensell, Jr. of Hondo, TX. Survivors also include his Aunt Dottie Rayburn of Kenedy, TX and multiple cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents P.B. and Winnie Ruth Olson, and his wife’s parents James and Hope Hensell.
There was a Memorial Service on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at Saint Stephen’s United Methodist Church in Albuquerque, NM at 4:00 PM with reception following in the church hall. There was a graveside service on September 24, 2011, @ 3:00 PM at the Pawnee Cemetery, with an open house in Pawnee at PB and Winnie Ruth’s House.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be given in his name to: Pawnee United Methodist Church, Pawnee, TX, St. Steven’s United Methodist Church, or the charity of choice.
