James Edward Olsen

James Edward Olsen, 89, passed away June 13, 2013, at a care facility in Big Spring, Texas. There will be a memorial service at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene on Monday, June 17, at 12pm with Navy military honors. Arrangements handled by Piersall-Benton Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.

James was born December 25, 1923 to John Allen and Winifred Olsen in Sherman, Texas. He attended schools in Sherman and a business college in Dallas. He worked in Washington D.C. for a few years before he enlisted in the navy at 18. He served 3 years on the BF Irvine and the FH Hillman Tanker ships. He and his wife Clodell had their own business in Abilene. They owned and operated the K-N Root Beer Drive-in for 30 years before failing health forced them to retire. They then moved to Georgetown to be near grandchildren. James had suffered with various illnesses for the past several years.

James is survived by his wife of 63 years, Clodell Olsen of Abilene, his 3 daughters Donna Merryman and husband David of Abilene, Jean Aston and husband Mark of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Kathy Haner and husband Walt of Georgetown, 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son Ernie Shelton.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.