Donald Olson

Donald Ray Olson, 84, passed away on November 21, 2017 after a three-month battle with cancer. Don was the third of six children born to Philip Olson and Irene Anderson Olson on February 3, 1933 at home on the family farm in Kimbro, Texas.

Don graduated from Elgin High School in 1951 and served two years in the Army being stationed in Korea during the Korean Conflict. Don knew at an early age that he wanted to be a farmer and rancher, having won his first steer at the Houston Livestock Show calf rope in his teens. He was also named Future Farmer of the Year by the FFA in high school. Because of his love for farming, he purchased a farm next to the family farm and was able to pay for it in 10 years. Don worked the land and other acreage until he retired two years ago. He was named Outstanding Agriculturist of the Year in 2008 by the Elgin Chamber of Commerce.

Don was a lifelong member of New Sweden Lutheran Church, serving on the church council and as treasurer of the congregation for many years. Don was also on the board of the Texas Pioneer Insurance Association and was involved with other organizations. Proud of his Swedish heritage, Don rarely missed the Swedish Midsummer Celebration or the Christmas Julotta.

He had two women in his life: his sister June and his niece Phyllis, whom he loved bossing around or vice versa. He never could understand how they could sleep past 5:00 AM. He maintained his farmer hours of up to 5 and to bed at 10 even after retirement. Don had a multitude of friends in and around Elgin and enjoyed meeting up with friends for coffee or a quick bite to eat. He also enjoyed spending time with his young step grandson, Kiefer Whitehead. Don never missed a family gathering and was the official turkey carver at Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. He will be sorely missed this year.

Don is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, James Olson, Leslie Olson and Earl Olson; nephew, Chris Lankford; three sisters in laws, Clara, Lindy and Ruth; and a brother in law, Jack Lankford.

He is survived by one brother, Dale Olson and his wife, Peggy of Bastrop; one sister, June Olson and her husband Donald Miles of Austin; two nieces, Phyllis Olson and her husband, Alan Banks of Pflugerville and Kimberly Olson of Smithville; two nephews, Michael Olson and his wife, Mindy of Bastrop and Kenneth Olson of Rosanky; sister in law, Judy Sinclair Olson of Spring; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Sweden Lutheran church in memory of Don

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