John Thompson Olsen

John Thompson Olsen, 87, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away on August 8, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer.

John was born on January 2, 1938, to Harold and Ora Thompson Olsen in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Washington, in 1956.

After graduation, he proudly served in the US Air Force for 31 years as an aircraft mechanic, crew chief, and flight engineer on B-47 Bombers, B-52 Bombers, EC-121 “Connies”, C-141 Cargo, and E-3 AWACS aircraft achieving the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He served during the Vietnam War, flying combat missions over the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

John met Macy Smith at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana, while both were serving in the Air Force. They wed on August 18, 1961. They had three children, David, Myra, and Scott. The couple loved to dance and often told stories about hosting dances in the garage of their beloved home in McLoud.

After retiring in 1988 from the US Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant, John spent his time with his children and six grandchildren boating, camping, and fishing. He was also very active at St. John Lutheran Church in Shawnee, Oklahoma. John also enjoyed his second career as a semi-truck driver for 15 years.

John was predeceased by his parents, Harold Olsen and Ora Thompson Olsen; stepfather, Harold Oliver; and his son, David Olsen. He is survived by his wife, Macy Olsen; daughter, Myra and son-in-law, Randy Huff, of McLoud Oklahoma; son, Scott and daughter-in-law, Amy Olsen, of Boerne, Texas; and sister, Judith Louro of Walnut Creek, California. John loved his six grandchildren: Joshua Olsen, Derek Huff, Miranda Huff, Ryan Huff, Faith Olsen and Lindley Olsen and three great-grandchildren, Leah Schiltz, Bentley Olsen, and Everly Huff.

John supported numerous charities, donating his time and support over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Salvation Army. A memorial service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, Shawnee, Oklahoma, on Saturday, August 30, at 11:00 AM.