Donald Edward Olson, 80 year old Worland resident passed away on December 24, 2011 at the Washakie Medical Center.

Donald was born on June 10, 1931 to Emmet F. and Doris Fay (Rhode) Olson in Sheridan, Wyoming. He grew up in the Story, Sheridan and Ranchester areas, graduating from Sheridan High School in 1949. He then attended the University of Colorado, graduating in 1953 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

He married the love of his life, Maurine "Dee" Janet DeWitt on August 9, 1953 in Griswold, Iowa. His job with United Stated Steel moved the couple to Provo, Utah, where they lived in the Provo/Orem area until 1965. The family then relocated to Odessa Texas, where he worked for Ref-Chem until 1969. They moved a short distance away to Snyder, Texas where he worked for American Magnesium from 1969 through 1971.

Dow Chemical recruited his expertise in 1971, relocating the family to Longmont, Colorado. He worked for Dow and later, the Dravo Corporation until 1978 when he was able to return to his home state. The family lived in Hanna, Wyoming where he was employed by Carbon County Coal until 1986. Smith Schmitt-Rush offered him a job which brought him and Dee to Worland. Don retired in 1992.

Don enjoyed hunting, muzzle loading and was an endowment member of the National Rifle Association. He was life member of the Masonic Lodge in Sheridan, Wyoming.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, Billy, and his brother, Bartlett.

Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dee, his sons: Clifford Allen (Kathy) Olson of Johnstown, Colorado and David Keith (Carolyn) Olson of Gillette; grandchildren: Cody, Mike, Kayla and Keith; and 5 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at the United Methodist Church with Reverend Huston Green officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be made in Don's name to the United Methodist Church in care of Bryant Funeral Home, PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401.

Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.

Bryant Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

The Sheridan Press - December 28, 2011.