Richard Durell Olsen, age 90, of Neola, died October 31, 2008 at home in Neola.

He was born Sept. 14, 1918 in Neola to John Albert and Clara Melinda Johnson Olsen.

He married Rose Jorgensen Nov. 12, 1941 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Richard was a life-long rancher and farmer, he loved to farm and raise cattle, he said that "work" was his favorite thing to do, but when he had opportunity he enjoyed getting into the mountains and fishing. He was recognized by the local Cattleman Association one year as the Serviceman of the Year.

He served an LDS mission to Denmark, but was called back stateside when WWII erupted and he served in the U. S. Army during the war.

He served in a number of community committees including the Neola Rodeo Committee and served in several callings in the LDS Church.

Richard is survived by his wife, Rose, of Neola; daughter and sons, Rosanne (Lynn) Wyatt, Tooele; Arlene (Gary) Brown, Erda; and Rodney D. (Lory) Olsen, Neola; 24 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren.

He is also survived by a brother and sister, Evan (Alice) Olsen, Neola and Toni Gardner, Roosevelt.

He was preceded in death by sons Richard Lewellyn Olsen and Warren K. Olsen; four grandchildren, Susan and Shelly Wyatt, Ricky Olsen and Sherry Brown; and brothers and sisters, Burnell, Clifford, Glen and Lerwill "Swede" Olsen, and Zola Spencer, Geneva Whiting, Clara Timothy, Myrtle Sorensen and Luella Sullivan.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. at the Neola LDS Church.

There will be a viewing Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Hullinger Mortuary and Friday at the church from 10-10:45 a.m.

Burial will be in the Neola Cemetery. Military honors presented by Roosevelt American Legion Post 64.

-Uintah Basin Standard, October 6, 2008