LeRoy Olsak

While he was still young, LeRoy’s family moved to the Lipan Flats farming community where he grew up on present day Olsak Road. After graduating from San Angelo High School in 1940 and attending San Angelo College, he transferred to Texas Technological College. His education was interrupted by World War II when he was deployed as a B-24 combat pilot for the Red Raider Bomber Group in the Asian theater. Upon return from the service, he married the true love of his life, Claire “Sally” Johnson, on Jan 14, 1946 in the B.O. & Elizabeth Wood Presbyterian Manse. He also returned to continue his education and graduated from Texas Tech with a BS in Agriculture in 1947.

From there, LeRoy started a long and prosperous career as a manager with Texas Electric Service Company, first in Big Spring and later in Lamesa. About 40 years and many accolades later, LeRoy retired and turned his interests to the Olsak Pecan Orchard he planted in the 70’s on family land at Eldorado, Texas. The pecan orchard eventually gained the ranking as one of the best in the state often producing state champion pecans.

LeRoy and Sally participated in life together through church, civic organizations, Colorado fishing trips and orchard tending. When Sally became ill with cancer, LeRoy was her devoted companion and caretaker as she was the light of his life. After Sally passed away in 2005, LeRoy continued life to the fullest by keeping his involvement with First Presbyterian Church, Angelo State University, Texas Tech, Texas Pecan Growers Association, Rotary Club, Red Raider Bomber Veterans and Old Geezers Walking Club. His awards and commendations from various groups are numerous and impressive and reflect the level of commitment he gave to each entity.

Without children, LeRoy claimed many nieces and nephews as his extended family just the same way he and Sally always had. LeRoy is survived by his sister-in-law Bettie Olsak and his brother-in-law Larry Johnson & wife Joy all of San Angelo. Nieces Cindy Hanks, Stephanie Sayers & husband Chip of San Angelo, Connie Langlais & husband Dave of Keller, Christy Meador & husband Lynn of Eldorado, and Olga Sosa of San Angelo. Nephews Mike Moore & wife Becky of Eldorado, David Johnson & wife Cheryl of Arkansas & Clark Johnson of Guadalajara, Mexico. Also surviving are numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. An acknowledgement is given to special people in his life, Ester Flores, Abel Martinez, and Kay Braden.

Family visitation will be from 6 pm to 8 pm Wednesday October 7, 2015 at Johnson’s Funeral Home. After private interment, a memorial service will be at 2 PM Thursday, October 8, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev Bill Procter officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow in the Commons at the Church. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Johnson’s Funeral Home.