Obituary

Beloved husband and father, and loyal friend, Richard L. Olsen II, passed away at home, his favorite place to be, on July 23, 2022, at the age of 78, in Plainview, TX. Richard was born in Rhode Island, during his father’s Naval service, in 1944. He spent part of his childhood in a Tent Colony, housing for University of Wisconsin-Madison students, while his father was in school following World War II. Richard graduated from high school in Roswell, NM where his family was stationed. He graduated with a M.Ed from Eastern New Mexico University, entering the field of education as a teacher for thirteen years in Clovis, NM at Cameo Elementary, and five years in Canadian, TX. Mr. Olsen loved teaching. He met his love, Melba, who was also a teacher, at a square dance in 1981. They eloped to Ft. Sumner, NM on February 18, 1983. He moved into administration as an assistant principal in Dimmitt, TX, and Junior High School principal in Spearman, TX. He found a home at Edgemere Elementary School in Plainview, TX where he led as principal for nine years before retirement in 2002. His years at Edgemere were precious to him, as were all of his students. It was at Edgemere that he became our favorite local Elvis impersonator.

Retirement was short-lived as Richard began a new career path with Central Plains Center MHMR in crisis services and Tommy Lewis Industries. He retired (again) and served his community through First Christian Church, volunteer work at the Humane Society, caring for stray animals, and was a dedicated blood donor. He was a square dance caller and spent countless weekends on the road with Melba, dance after dance. Richard loved 50s rock and roll, a good chocolate malt, disc golf with his son and daughter, weekends at Daisy on Lake Meredith, garage sales, and lunch at the duck pond with Melba. He cherished his friendships and his church family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Melba Olsen of Plainview, his children; Sara Wall and husband, Christopher Wall, of Amarillo, Tx and Eric Richard L. Olsen III and wife, Samantha Branch Olsen, of Amarillo, grand-daughter; Natalie Paige Wall, and a step-sister; Scherry Lopez and husband, Gilbert Lopez of Portales, New Mexico.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents; Richard L. and Mildred Katherine (Stegner) Pesante, step-father; Jose Pesante, step-brother; Skip Pesante, and his in-laws; Oma and Peggy Ogle.

A Celebration of Life Dessert Social will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, July 28, 2022, in the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall in Plainview.

Donations to First Christian Church or PAWS Pet Adoptions of Plainview are welcome.

“Elvis has left the building.”