Thomas Olson

Obituary of Thomas A. Olson

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Lt. Colonel (Ret) Thomas Andrew Olson, age 80, of Knollwood Drive, Boone, died Friday morning, October 17, 2008 at Glenbridge Health Care & Rehabilitation. Born May 25, 1928 in Joliet, Illinois, he was a son of the late Thomas H. and Helen Rutan Olson. Tom was retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel from the USAF, having served 22 years. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam, and was awarded the Bronze Star. Lt. Colonel Olson was of the Presbyterian faith, and attended Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. After retiring from the Air Force, Tom worked as a Veterans Affairs Coordinator at Cape Fear Technical Institute. He was also a member of the American Legion in Hampstead, NC and the VFW. Surviving are his wife, Lois Olson, one daughter; Becky Gaffin of Issaquah, Washington, one son; Scott Olson of Gastonia, four grandsons; Matthew and Keith Gaffin and Liam and Abram Olson, and one sister, Joan Thompson of Louisville, Kentucky. Memorial services for Lt. Colonel (Ret) Thomas Andrew Olson will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 o�clock at the Cross Pointe Community Church. Officiating will be Rev. Bob Wolfe. The family respectfully requests no flowers, and suggests memorials to a charity of the donor�s choice. Friends may call at the Olson residence at any time. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Olson family.