Obituary: Meldrin Martin “Maynard” Olsen

Meldrin Martin “Maynard” Olsen, 65, of Neola, Utah, passed away March 15, 2014, of complications from a brain tumor.
Olson was born May 15, 1948, in Roosevelt, Utah, to Carlos Clifford and DeeAtha Anna South Olsen. He lived his entire life on the same property he was practically born on.
He served six years in the U.S. Navy. His time during the Vietnam War was spent sailing on ships that brought supplies to the troops on mainland Vietnam. He was very proud of his service.
After returning home, he joined American Legion Post 64 and was the post bugler who played taps for many of the funeral military honors they provided.
He married Louise Taylor on Aug. 28, 1971, in Roosevelt, and their marriage was solemnized on Feb. 15, 1973, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
Louise died Dec. 12, 2007. He married Linda Sharon Milliken on May 30, 2008, in Bernalillo, N.M. Their marriage was solemnized in the Vernal LDS Temple on May 30, 2009.
Maynard loved working on and restoring old cars, and he was very good at upholstery. He was a hard worker, having a farm and being a dump truck and snowplow driver for Duchesne County.
His home, where he raised his children, was a log cabin he built himself, and most of the logs were cut by his own hand.
He always thought of others first and cared about his family, no matter what.
He had a great sense of humor and really enjoyed a good practical joke. He was very talented musically and could play just about any instrument and play it well. He was in a local band for many years in his younger days.
He was an avid listener of oldies music and liked riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle in his free time. He was also very strong in his LDS faith.
Maynard also had a deep love for animals, and he treasured his horses, cattle, peacocks, goats and dogs.
In his earlier days, he ran a dairy farm that provided much of the milk for Neola.
He taught his children the importance of a working farm and he also ran range cows.
Maynard also had his own team of sled dogs and sled.
Maynoard is survived by his wife, Linda, of Neola; children Scott Martin Olsen of Roosevelt, Tamera Lynn (Brandon) Cook of Vernal, Christopher John Olsen of St. George, Utah, Sean Carlos (Brandy) Olsen of Neola, Tiffany Lyn (Douglas Matthew “Matt”) Rosendahl of Meeker, Colo., Harlan Shelby Olsen of Roosevelt, Joshua Kaleb (Heather) Olsen of Vernal, Jaramiah Colby Olson of Roosevelt, Krysten Leigh Olsen of Roosevelt; stepdaughter Jennifer Chavez of Albuquerque, N.M., 20 grandchildren; brothers and sisters Warden Olsen, Ardell Olsen and Jolene Miller; and his beloved dogs, Boog, Sadie and Bo.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Louise; parents DeeAtha and Clifford; and a sister, JuLee Wymer.
Funeral services were held Wednesday March 19, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the Neola LDS Chapel. Viewings were held on March 18 at Hullinger Mortuary and March 19 at the church.
Burial was in the Neola Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post 64.