Robert Alden Olson, Jr. — November 7, 1943 – December 20, 2025
Robert Alden Olson, Jr., born Nov. 7, 1943, in Bemidji, Minnesota, to Esther Abigail Cummings and Robert Alden Olson, Sr., passed away peacefully on Dec. 20, surrounded by family.
Due to his father’s military career, Robert spent his childhood attending schools throughout the United States and in England. Those early experiences shaped his adaptability, resilience, and lifelong respect for service.
Robert Alden Olson, Jr.
As a very young child, Robert survived polio —overcoming early challenges that might have limited others. Against every expectation, he went on to live a full and active life, marked by perseverance, strength, and quiet determination.
On April 13, 1974, Robert married Shirley Ileen Stoner, beginning a devoted partnership rooted in love, commitment, and shared life experiences. He later attended and graduated from Orange Coast College.
Robert honorably served in the United States Air Force, entering active duty in Baltimore, Maryland. He completed a full military career and retired honorably at the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6).
His service spanned the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. His final duty station was March Air Force Base, California, where he was assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Squadron, Air Mobility Command, supporting critical global missions and operations.
Throughout his career, Robert earned numerous military awards recognizing leadership, professionalism, dedication, and valor. His service record reflected repeated recognition for excellence, and at one point he voluntarily extended his service at the request of the government — an acknowledgment of the trust placed in him.
Beyond his military service, Robert was deeply involved in his community wherever he lived. He volunteered with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Rotary, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He also found connection, support, and camaraderie through the Veteran Support Group at the Vet Center in Abilene.
Robert will be remembered for his warm smile, gentle demeanor, and genuinely kind manner. He was a good man — steady, compassionate, and quietly strong — whose presence made others feel welcomed, respected, and at ease.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Gerald T. Olson.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley Olson; his children and their spouses: David Olson and his wife Kimberly, Rebekah and her husband Jeremy Welles, Joshua Olson and his wife Heidi, and Naomi and her husband Greg Hartman; along with nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held at St. James United Methodist Church in Abilene on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Robert will be laid to rest with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery in California, where his parents were also laid to rest.
