Kenneth Dee Olson

The family of Ken Olson will celebrate his life of 77 years at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at the Second Baptist Church, Lubbock. His family will host a time of fellowship and remembrance from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, July 06, 2022, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers.  Ken walked into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, July 3, 2022. We invite you to view the live-streamed service and sign his virtual guestbook on this page.On May 30, 1945, Kenneth Dee was born to Leon and Ruth Olson in Elk City, OK. He married Charlene Jones Pinkerton on August 14, 2006. He graduated from Berlin High School in 1963 and Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1967. Ken enlisted in the 413^th Civil Affairs Company of the US Army Reserves on July 28, 1968, serving with distinction and earning several honors until he retired in 2005.  Kenneth received his vocational certificate from San Angelo State University in 1973 and taught industrial arts and distributive education in Lubbock ISD until 1979.Ken’s sons, Brandon and Jon, were born in 1974 and 1978.  Ken began working for the City of Lubbock as Fleet Manager in 1979 and became Emergency Management Coordinator in 1992, retiring in 2006.  Ken worked for the Texas Engineering Extension Service at Texas A&M University, assisting with disaster response and preparedness.  Ken was a member of Lubbock Masonic Lodge #1392. He served as a Deacon at Second Baptist Church, a Director on the Board of the Texas Ranger Association Foundation, and President of the Texas Municipal League.Ken was a devoted husband, father, and Pa.  He participated in Boy Scouts of America with both Brandon and Jon, supporting them as they earned their Eagle Scout honors.  Ken had a deep love for all his children and grandchildren.  Ken considered and loved Kristie and Eric as his own.  Ken’s passion for horses (especially Sammy and Gus) led him to participate in the 4^th US Cavalry Memorial Regiment for many years, including the inaugural parades of President George H. W. Bush and Governor Ann Richards.Quick with a joke, often at his own expense, frequently about his height (or lack thereof), Ken loved spending time with family and friends, traveling, and golfing with Charlene.  Equally comfortable in a suit or overalls sitting atop a tractor, Ken always had projects going.  He farmed cotton, built furniture, backpacked New Mexico, cruised the Inside Passage of Alaska and the Panama Canal, repaired automobiles, kept his word, and never slowed down.  Ken loved reading Louis L’Amour and C.J. Pettit, watching Gunsmoke and Lonesome Dove, and listening to classic country music.  He could cut a mean rug.Ken is remembered as a dear friend and a man of integrity.Survivors include his wife, Charlene Olson; their children, Brandon Lee Olson, Jon David (Shontay) Olson, Kristie Michelle Mapes, and Eric (Tonya) Pinkerton; and grandchildren, Bailey Olson, Aidan Howell, Sarah Brown, Caleb Brown, Joshua Brown, Reiter Mapes, and Paxton Mapes; brothers, Ben Olson, and Jim Olson, and numerous, beloved nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his father, Leon Olson; his mother, Ruth Olson; and his brother, Ole Olson.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Kenneth Dee Olson, please visit our Tribute Store.