Tom Olinger's Obituary
Tom Olinger, age 85, of Tontitown passed away Monday January 22, 2024 in Fayetteville, surrounded by family. He was born January 8, 1939 in Baron, Oklahoma to Hershel and Martha Boling Olinger. He is a member of First Southern Baptist Church in Central City. He proudly served 20 years in the U.S. Navy where he spent time as a submariner, Russian linguist and spent time at the Pentagon. Upon returning to civilian life, he was a truck driver for Stilwell Foods and then retired from Georgia Pacific in Pryor. This provided him time to do what he loved most - spend more time with family and friends, plan fishing trips to Canada and Mexico, and tell fishing and Navy tales.
Tom was a Mason for more than 50 years after joining in Scotland, while deployed. He was active in the Westville Oklahoma Lodge and was a Shriner for more than four decades.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Imodene Watt; three brothers, Hershel Olinger Jr., Richard Olinger and J.D. Olinger.
Tom is survived by his wife Judy Olinger of 18 years; two daughters, Tara Herberger of Salina, Oklahoma, Melda Goad of Scotland; four sons, Jeff Olinger and wife Lisa and David Olinger both of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Aaron Anderson and his wife Liz of Springdale and Keith Anderson and his wife Adrea of Hulbert, Oklahoma; one brother, Larry Olinger of Tucson, Arizona; “Pops” had 16 grandchildren: Page, Blake, Cassie, Corrie, Colton, Danielle, Colby, Gracie, Gabriel, Aaron Paul, Kylee, Kaleb, Kevin, Bryson, Stetson and Randi and his good fishing buddy, Steve Williams of Chouteau, Oklahoma.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday January 30, 2024 at First Southern Baptist Church in Central City, Arkansas with burial to follow in the Fort Smith National Cemetery with military honors.
What’s your fondest memory of Tom?
What’s a lesson you learned from Tom?
Share a story where Tom's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Tom you’ll never forget.
How did Tom make you smile?
