Clarence Melvin Olson, 93, of Norman Oklahoma died Saturday, January 13th, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Clarence was born September 2, 1924 in Yale, Oklahoma. He spent his childhood in Cushing, Oklahoma. With the advent of WW II he entered the Navy at age 18 in 1942 and served until the end of the war.
Upon his return from service, he completed high school and attended Oklahoma A & M College. While working in Oklahoma City in 1950 he met the love of his life, Reba Reece Colbert.

The family moved to Norman in 1959. He worked as a district field manager for Ford Motor Company where he received numerous awards for his achievements until he retired in 1978. He then joined Reba who owned and operated a renowned Native American art gallery for 25 years before successfully entering the field of real estate development.

Clarence was a charter member in founding 2 churches - the Village Baptist Church in Oklahoma City as well as the Pleasant Valley (now Brookhaven) Baptist Church in Norman.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Mable Olson Been and Lawrence Earl Olson, a sister, Leatha Mae Terry and 2 brothers, Jack Earl Olson and Billy Wayne Olson.

Survivors include 5 children: Ron Colbert of Oklahoma City, Steve Olson and wife Becky of Norman Oklahoma, DaOnne Olson of Norman, Greg Olson and wife Sandy of Edmond, and Kevin Olson of Norman; eight grandchildren: Shaun Colbert, Jennifer Colbert and Roni Michelle Colbert of Oklahoma City; Whitney Olson of Norman, Shelby Olson Dib of Columbus OH, Alex Eschbach of Norman, Max Eschbach of Norman and Cassie Olson of Edmond; and 6 great grandchildren, Da’onne, Toree, Tristen, Taylin, Kahmel and Elliot; and 1 great- great grandchild, Ashton.

Affectionately called ‘Big Guy’ by his family, (a moniker one of his grandchildren came up with) his greatest joy and accomplishment was his family. Clarence was the best husband, father, grandfather and friend imaginable and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

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