Earl Wayne Olson Sr

Earl Wayne Olson Sr., age 80, of Temple, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

A native of Washington state, Wayne was born on April 21, 1945, and grew up in Walla Walla. A deeply proud retired United States Army soldier and Vietnam Veteran, Wayne honorably served his country as a Unit Supply Specialist and Indirect Fire Infantryman. He travelled the world completing two tours in Vietnam and one in South Korea; was stationed at Fort Irwin, CA, Fort Drum, NY, Fort Campbell, KY, Fort Lewis, WA, Fort Hood, TX, and two long over-seas tours in Germany. Wayne retired as a Sergeant First class after 24 years of honorable service.

Wayne remained ever faithful, attending church, and was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Temple. He found great joy in the simple blessings of life—hunting, fishing, hosting family gatherings, and cheering on his beloved Seattle Seahawks.

Wayne was preceded in death by his beloved wife Consuela “Connie” Mojica Olson; his parents Cornelius Olson and Adeline Clark, brother Ole and sisters Nelly, Mae, and Hazel; son, Joey Clark Olson; and grandson Anthony Lee Olson.

He is survived by sons, Earl W. Olson Jr and wife Marisol, Howard B. Olson and wife Veronica, and Adam L. Olson and wife Hannah from Temple; daughters, Anita Deniece Cruz-Olson and Monica L. Goad from Temple, Dottie “Dot” Stenbak and husband Jason of Kempner, Teresa L. Williams and husband Jason of Des Moines, IA, and Adeline N. Locklear of Temple; 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

Wayne will be laid to rest, with his late wife Connie, at the CENTRAL TEXAS STATE VETERANS’ CEMETERY in Killeen, Texas on the 30th of December at 9 a.m.

While not a man of means, Wayne donated to many charities, one in particular he did without fail. In lieu of cut flowers, please make a donation in his name @ Donate to St. Jude Children's Hospital .