Merle Everette Olson

Merle Everette Olson
November 4, 1923
January 30, 2015

We mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Merle Everette Olson who entered into his eternal life on January 30, 2015. He was born November 4, 1923 in Garden Grove, California, to Leonard and Clara Nearing Olson. He graduated from Garden Grove High School in June, 1941.

He served honorably in the United States Army 11th Airborne Division with service in the Philipines and Japan for which he was awarded two Bronze Stars. He was a life member of the 11th Airborne Division Association. He was a charter and life member of the Garden Grove Elks Lodge #1952. Merle was a captain in the Garden Grove Fire Department and retired in 1977. He was a member of the Ramona United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his beloved family, wife Patricia, daughter Caren Recor (Dan), son Leonard Olson (Kristy), sister-in-law Lorna Olson, nephews Gary (Susie) and Steve (Jackie) and families, sister-in-law Arlene Raab and family, stepdaughter Terri (George), stepson Chris (Kate), grandchildren Julie Garcia (Joey), Aaron Olson (Martha), Nathan Olson, Nick Nichols (Jessie), Rick Nichols (Heather), step-grandchildren Brandon Lambert, Thomas Meyer, Claire Meyer, and great-grandchildren Wyatt Nichols, Sadie Nichols, Jaina Garcia, and Jackson Nichols, and cousins Lon Gardner (Lorraine), Janice Sauer, Frank Nearing and families.

Merle will be laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery on February 17, 2015 at 12:45 p.m. There will be a Memorial Service at the Ramona United Methodist Church on February 21, 2015 at 1 p.m.

Bonham Bros. & Stewart Mortuary and Cremation Service is assisting the family.

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