Dates
Philip Dale Olson, born on October 29, 1937, in Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on December 11, 2025, at the age of 88. He was the beloved son of Helen and Frank Olson.
Philip was a dedicated 20-year Army veteran, having served his country with distinction. His military career took him to various locations, including Metz, France; Nuremberg, Germany; Ft. Rucker, Alabama; Ft. Riley, Kansas; and Ft. Carson, Colorado. Notably, he completed two tours in Vietnam, with one tour serving as a helicopter test pilot. After retiring from the military, Philip spent his winters from 1983 to 2010 working at Furnace Creek Ranch Resort in Death Valley National Park as a driver tour guide.
Philip is survived by his loving spouse, Sharon; his sons, Robert Olson and Richard Olson; his daughter, Michelle Roys; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
In his personal life, Philip was an avid square dancer and caller. He also dedicated his time to community involvement by volunteering as a park host at San Angelo State Park from 2010 to 2017.
Philip Dale Olson wished to be remembered with happiness and joy. In the words of Helen Lowrie Marshall, "I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; of happy memories that I leave when life is done."
He was a respected member of the San Angelo, Texas community, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.