Joseph Kent Olsen

Mr. Joseph Kent Olsen, age 90, of Ocean Springs, MS died on Thursday, March 21, 2013, in Biloxi. Mr. Olsen was born on February 1, 1923, in Baker, Oregon, where he was raised. He had a Master of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from Oregon State College and retired from Chevron Corp. in 1978 after 29 1/2 years. Five of those years were at the Pascagoula Refinery and 121/2 years were in Iran. After his retirement, he studied Nursing at Jackson County Junior College in Gautier, MS and became a Registered Nurse in July, 1982. He retired from Nursing in 1992. He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs, Magnolia Lodge #129 F & M, Scottish Rites Bodies-Valley of Gulfport, Joppa Shrine Center, Biloxi and the Adah Chapter #49 OES, Ocean Springs. He was also a member of the Grand Cross of Colors International Order of Rainbow Girls and an Eagle Scout. He served 2 1/2 years in the U.S. Army during WWII and was wounded near Eilendorf, Germany, on November 16, 1944, while fighting with the 104th Infantry Division (The Timberwolves). Mr. Olsen spent 9 months in Army hospitals before being discharged. Among his military decorations are the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman's Badge and the European Theater of Operations with two battle stars. Immediately after being discharged, he returned to Oregon State College to complete his college work. Mr. Olsen was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis L. Olsen, daughter, Cheryl Ann Olsen, his parents, Frank L. Olsen and Bertha Kemph Olsen, brother, John W, Olsen and grandson, Dr. John Leslie Hunter II. Survivors include a son, William Kent Olsen, four grandchildren, Lee J. Hunter, Kristy Hunter and Stacey O'Connell and 7 great-grandchildren. One of the grandchildren is Laura Elizabeth Olsen Albritton who was loved as a second daughter since the Olsens were privileged to have Laura in their home for 5 years during her high school years. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, from 11 am to 12 Noon, with a 12 Noon church service all at St. John's Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs, with an Eastern Star Memorial Service. Interment will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery with a Masonic graveside service. In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to St. John's Episcopal Church or to Joppa Shrine Center Hospital Transportation Fund. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.