Denis Olson January 5, 1950 - October 22, 2023

On Sunday, October 22, 2023, in the home where he grew up near Avoca, Texas, Denis Olson a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend returned to his heavenly home following a courageous battle with cancer. Denis was remembered during funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 27, 2023, in the Bethel Lutheran Church in the Ericksdahl Community near Avoca, TX with Rev. Richard Strait and Rev. Dennis Huffaker officiating. The family gathered for visitation at Tankersley Funeral Home, 807 Columbia, Stamford, TX. Thursday, October 26th 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Denis was born to Marvin and Flora Mae (Rinn) Olson in Stamford, Texas on January 5, 1950. Denis was a 1967 graduate of Avoca High School, a class of three seniors, and the final class to graduate from Avoca High School, prior to the consolidation of the Lueders and Avoca schools. Denis was a talented athlete and played basketball for the Avoca Mustangs. Under the leadership of Coach Clayton Brooks the Mustangs placed 3rd in the State Basketball Finals in the Spring of 1967 in Austin, TX. He was active in the school FFA program where he exhibited show calves. Denis was a young entrepreneur beginning his farming career in 1964 at the age of 14. In 1971 Denis graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX with a BS Degree in Forestry. Following graduation, Denis returned to Avoca due to his mother’s health issues to help with the family farming operation and was hired by the Ericksdahl Coop Gin as their gin secretary. In 1974 Denis became the Ericksdahl Gin Manager, a career he worked at for 37 years before retiring in April of 2008. Denis’ love for the forest and the mountains continued throughout his life.

Family camping vacations were spent in Colorado most summers. Denis was an avid fisherman, he also enjoyed hunting, family time activities, being a “Papa” and attending the grandkids’ sporting events and activities. Denis and Aline Gray were united in marriage on March 23, 1974, at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ericksdahl, a union that almost made the milestone anniversary of 50 years. In the community Denis was a lifetime mem- ber of the Bethel Lutheran Church, served on the Lueders-Avoca School Board, and Jones County Appraisal Board. Denis was preceded by his parents, Marvin and Flora Mae Olson, grandparents, Sigfrid and Agnes Olson, 2 uncles, Erland, and Milton Olson. Denis is survived by his wife of 49 years, Aline Olson; daughter, Melissa Kay Olson; son, Michael Scott Olson and wife Mylinda; daughter, Crystal Diane Ramirez and husband Jerry; daughter, Chris- ty Michelle Olson; daughter, Sandi Renee Beard and husband Matt; son, Gerry Lynn Olson and wife Jessica; sister, Diane Grigsby and husband John; 16 grandchildren: Kandice Gonzales, Kristen Riffe, Kendra Olson, Jacob Ramirez, Casen Ramirez, Mya Ramirez, Alexis Eaves, Shaun Eaves, Garet Rob- erts, Jaycee Propst, Cutler Beard, Jilleana Rodgers, Haidyn Olson, Zoey Olson, J.T. Spitzer and Kalee Spitzer; 8 great grandchildren, one on the way; along with numerous other relatives and friends. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com.