Raymond Oman Olson

Raymond Oman Olson, retired Lutheran Pastor of El Paso, Texas passed away August 13, 2010 at his home in El Paso. He was born July 10, 1937, in Stamford, Texas, baptized December 3, 1937, confirmed December 13, 1953, and ordained June 12, 1966 at Bethel Lutheran Church, Ericksdahl, Texas. Orphaned at age twelve, he lived with his sister, Frances and brothers George and Lee Roy during the school year and spent summers with numerous relatives. After graduation from Stamford High School, he entered college on an athletic scholarship as a physical therapy student at Tarleton Junior College, Stephenville, Texas. During his freshman year, he had an experience which altered his life. He likened that experience to St. Paul’s conversion on the Road to Damascus. He was awakened in his dorm room one night by a blinding light and knew at once his calling was to be a pastor. He married Sue Hertel at Zion Lutheran Church, Sagerton, June 1, 1958. He and his wife were blessed with two children, Laura Ruth and Kelly Susan. He graduated from Bethany Lutheran College, Lindsborg, Kansas in 1962 with a Bachelor of Art in Christianity and Philosophy and from Central Lutheran Theological Seminary, Fremont, Nebraska with a Bachelor of Divinity in 1966. He was granted a Master of Divinity from Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, Illinois. He served as a pastor of two churches during his career: Good Shepherd in Marshall, Texas from 1966 to 1970 and St John Lutheran in El Paso, Texas from 1970- 1988 when he retired from the ministry. September 2009, Raymond was diagnosed with cancer in his left lower jaw and cheek. He underwent radiation and chemo treatments in El Paso. Later, when the cancer returned he had surgery and had been in out of six hospitals with complications since May 7, 2010. Unable to communicate much after surgery he mainly used writing and gestures and this was difficult for him. He fought diligently for and extended period of time, but was finally overcome with the disease and its complications. During his illness, he continued to be a source of strength to those who cared for him medically and most of all to his family. His family feels blessed to have had him as a husband, father and grandfather to know and to love. He remained hopeful and kept his faith and love for his family until the end. Even in his last days he took pleasure in teasing his children and grandchildren. The family expresses their appreciation to Pastor St. Clair and members of New Hope Lutheran Church, El Paso; Bethel Lutheran Church Ericksdahl; and Christ Lutheran Church, Stamford for the countless prayers, thoughts, cards and letters of encouragement during Raymond’s illness. We thank the many medical staff members (doctors, nurses, therapists, and countless others) who ministered to him during this process, We thank the many extended family members who have visited Raymond, called his family and given us much needed support. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick William and Ruth Frances Olson; brothers Maynard Olson and George Olson; and a sister Ora Belle Harvick. He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Sue; daughters Laura Martinez and husband Frank, Kelly Mueller and husband Ted; granddaughters Jessica Wooldridge and Courtney Mueller all of El Paso; a sister, Frances Olson of Stamford, Texas: a brother, Lee Roy Olson and his wife Louella of Arlington, Texas; one sister in law (who is like a daughter) Ruth Huckaby of El Paso; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at Sunset Funeral Home-Northeast. Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 pm, Thursday, August 19, 2010 at New Hope Lutheran. Interment will be at Stanford, TX. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast.