John "Jack" Martin Olsen

John "Jack" Martin Olsen passed away on August 7, 2022 at home surrounded by family. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on August 6, 1944 to Clarence and Kathryn Olsen. As a child he lived in Aransas Pass and then Corpus Christi. In junior high his family moved to Brownsville, Texas. Jack was a proud member of the elite and nationally recognized Brownsville High School Band, where he played the bass baritone, or the euphonium. Being in the band had an enormous impact on him, and he talked fondly of his band days throughout his entire life. After graduating high school in 1962, he studied Engineering and Technology at Del Mar College. He worked for General Electric and then joined the U.S. Army, proudly serving in the Army Security Agency from 1966 to 1970. When his military service concluded, he was a Specialist E6 with several honors and awards. He then returned to G.E. where he worked his way up to senior electrical field engineer in the Beaumont office. He retired in 2004.

Jack married his loving wife of forty-seven years, Gwain Walley Olsen, on January 25, 1975. Jack and Gwain spent most of their marriage living in Lumberton, Texas, where he was active in his church as an usher for many years. They spent the last two and a half years living in Bryan, Texas. They have one daughter, Jennifer Olsen Trinka. Next to God, family was the most important thing to Jack. He worked hard for them and took pride in providing for them. Some of his favorite times were getting his family together with his brother, sister, and their families. He loved them both dearly. Being “Grandad” was Jack’s biggest accomplishment. He loved his grandchildren more than words could express and was incredibly proud of them.

Jack was quiet and reserved. But, he had a witty, great sense of humor and was constantly making up jokes. He loved spending his time building and fixing things, listening to music, and reading. He flew through fiction book after fiction book at unbelievable speeds.

Jack had no doubt that Jesus was holding a place for him in Heaven. He assured his family that he knew where he was going and was ready. He comforted them, telling them that it would be ok and that we would see him again one day. His faith was strong.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Kathryn Olsen, his grandparents Martin Morgan Olsen and Alma Thornfeldt Olsen, Angus John Eamon and Mary Alice Eamon, and sister-in-law, Sandy Olsen. He is survived by his wife, Gwain Walley Olsen; daughter, Jennifer Olsen Trinka; brother, Mike Olsen; sister, Kathy Williams and husband Jeff; son-in-law, Mike Trinka; grandchildren, Logan and Grace; brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Lynda Walley; nieces and nephews, John and Doug Olsen, Eric Walley, Mica Vannaman, Kristen Williams Kirk, and David Williams. He is also remembered by cousins, great nieces, great nephews, his great-great niece and nephew, and friends.

Visitation will be August 27th at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Funeral Chapel - College Station, Texas, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. The graveside service will follow immediately at Memorial Cemetery of College Station. All are encouraged to join the family for a lunch reception back at the funeral home afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to MD Anderson Cancer Center would be appreciated.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralchapel.com for the Olsen family.