CLAUDE EMERY OLSON

Claude Emery Olson, 96, of Ewing, Missouri, died June 20, 2019 at Country Aire Retirement Estates in Lewistown, Missouri. He was born on November 3, 1922, in Lewis County to Bucola Faye (Bales) and Carl Olson. He was the oldest of five children, sisters Eunice, Lovena, Juanita, and brother Glen. Claude met the love of his life, Edna Benner, at a basketball game and they married June 4, 1944 in La Grange, Missouri. Claude and Edna recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.

Claude was a long standing member of the Ewing Assembly of God Church. Growing up in Lewis County, he farmed with his father before marrying Edna and enlisting in the United States Army. He completed training in Texas and California, and shipped out with the US Army as part of the 6th Army and 5th Airborne, serving in the Philippines and Japan during World War II. Following the war, Claude owned and operated Olson Trucking, transporting grains across the region. In Ewing, he worked at the Co-op and for Lester’s Farm Supply, later working at Moorman’s and retired at the age of 62. He enjoyed traveling, camping and RVing across the Southwest, but especially loved Colorado, Texas, Florida, Arizona, visiting National and State Parks, and visiting horse racetracks. He and his wife Edna began wintering in Florida in the Fall of 1989. When at home or relaxing, Claude loved to birdwatch from his kitchen window, watch NCAA College Basketball, Wheel of Fortune, and old western movies. Proud of his service during WWII, you would often find him decked out in his replica uniform, a shirt, or a hat proclaiming that he was a proud Army Veteran.

In addition to his wife, Edna, survivors include four children: Michael Olson of Quincy, Illinois, Pamela McDonald (Garry) of Port Charlotte, Florida, Marlene Musick (David) of Austin, Texas, and Christopher Olson of Austin, Texas, seven grandchildren, Gregg Bennett (Karen) of Westlake, California, Brandon McDonald of Port Charlotte, Florida, Erika Musick of Austin, Texas, Brooke Dawson (Jordan) of Magnolia, Texas, Brian Olson of Quincy, Illinois, Corey Musick of Austin, Texas, and Brock McDonald of Port Charlotte, Florida, six great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his four siblings, a son, Donald Olson, and a daughter, Claudette (Olson) Bennett.

Funeral services were held June 22, 2019. at the First Assembly of God Church in Ewing, MO with Rev. Elmer Hagood officiating. Visitation was held prior to services. Pallbearers were grandsons and great grandsons: Gregg Bennett, Brandon McDonald, Brian Olson, Corey Musick, Brock McDonald, Zachariah Dawson, Noah Dawson, and Elijah Dawson. Honorary Pallbearer: Judah Bennett. Music: Debbie Faulconer, vocalist.
Burial with full military honors was in Ewing Memorial Cemetery, Ewing, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Country Aire Retirement Estates. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Country Aire Retirement Estates.