Obituaries

Arthur (Art) Gilbert Olson Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024 at the age of 88. Born on December 23, 1935, in Erie Pennsylvania, Art was the cherished son of Arthur Sr. and Myrtle Zurn Olson.

Art graduated from Strong Vincent High School in Erie, where he excelled as a basketball player, showcasing his competitive spirit and teamwork. After graduation, he answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. Following two years of dedicated service he was honorably discharged and carried the values of discipline, commitment and love of the military and country with him throughout his life.

After his military service, Art relocated to Dallas Texas where he met the love of his life Josephine Elaine Russell. Their connection was instant and enduring. The couple married on June 11, 1960 at the First United Methodist Church in Sherman Texas, embarking on a journey of love, partnership and family. They son had two sons, Russell Olson and George Olson.

Art worked as a Police officer with the Sherman Police Department, for 6 years. He then served as a Deputy sheriff in Grayson County. While working in those roles he went back to school and earned an Associates degree at Grayson County College and then a bachelors degree at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

He then entered the teaching field where he taught at Terrell Middle School in Denison Texas and then at Van Alstyne High School In Van Alstyne Texas. After a teaching career of 15 years Art took the position of 9-11 co-ordinator at The Texoma Council Of Governments, where he worked until his retirement in 2000.

After retirement Art continued to serve his community by being a volunteer with Home Hospice Legacy. He was elected President of the Red River Historical Museum as well as a member of the Sherman Preservation League. Later Art served as a member of the Texas Silver Haired Legislature and was a Texas Nursing Home Ombudsman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife Josephine Elaine Russell Olson.

Art is survived by his sons Russell Olson and wife Alexandra of Rockwall, Texas, son George Olson and wife Sandra of Sherman, Texas, and sister Karen Kyle (Don). He was a devoted grandfather to three grandchildren, Brittany Pickens andhusband Wes, Karlie Stewart and husband Corey, and William Olson and wife Carly, as well as great grandchildren, Kaliana, Alyssa, and Wyatt Pickens, Jack Henry Stewart, and several nieces and nephews as well as a dear friend Royanna Carle of Phoenix AZ.

The family will hold a memorial service at a later date