Douglas Oleson

Douglas Oleson, 85, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at his home.

He was born in Aberdeen, WA on September 5, 1929 to the late Herbert and Daisy (Yokum) Oleson.

Doug was a navy veteran of the Korean War. Early in his working career, Doug was a deejay during the early rock period. He participated in four seasons of professional summer stock theater. A teacher of public education, he taught every level from kindergarten to doctoral candidates for over 25 years. He completed his BA in government and an MLS at Indiana University and a MA in history at Purdue, and pursued additional work towards the Phd. He was also cited for a honorary masters degree in Humane Letters at Davis & Elkins College. Doug worked as a library administrator and teacher at Ohio State University, Davis & Elkins College, Kentucky Wesleyan College, and Eastern Oregon University, from where he retired. He was a visiting professor for two summer terms at Indiana University.

He headed the Perry County Arts Council and directed their performance programs, acted in several Schweizer Fest summer musicals, including the role as the devil in "Damn Yankees". Doug was a nationally recognized airplane modeler and competitor. He also was a model railroader, an avid reader, and worked at as a director for several universities.

He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Delta Kappa- for teachers, Sigma Alpha Epsilon-education, Phi Alpha Theta, Alpha Phi Omega, Academy of Model Aeronautics, National Free Flight Society, Flying Aces Club, Studebaker's Drivers Club and Antique Studebaker's Club.

Surviving is his wife, Christina Oleson of Tell City; sons, James and wife Michiru, of Bloomington, Max of Elkins, WV, and Caleb, of Tell City; grandchildren, John Shiro Oleson and Laura Kimie Oleson.

Preceding him in death is a son, Douglas Oleson, Jr.; and brothers, Merlin and Lee Oleson.

Per Doug's request, there will be no services at Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice.

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