Johnnie M. Olson

Johnnie M. Olson, age 66, of Russellville, died suddenly Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at his home.
He was born January 22, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri, a son of Allan and Ella Olson, both deceased. On May 24, 1964, Johnnie was united in marriage to Margaret Ann Smith at the Grandview Baptist Church in Grandview, Missouri. Margaret survives at their home.
He was a 1961graduate of Grandview High School and a graduate of the Finley Engineering College in Kansas City.
Johnnie was employed with the Kansas State Highway Commission, before taking a position with the Missouri State Park Board in Jefferson City. He later ran heavy equipment for several construction companies in the central Missouri area. He also owned and operated Country Cutter Wood Products in Russellville.
He was an active member of the Russellville Lions Club, where he was serving as president at the time of his death. He was instrumental in the construction of the Lions Park Ball Fields, which carry his name. He also helped build the ball field at the Russellville High School. He served as treasurer of the RHS Athletic Booster Club for several years. Johnnie was a former volunteer with the Cole County Fire Department, receiving recognition as a member of the "Faithful 8."
He was a current member of the Corticelli Baptist Church, west of Russellville, and assisted in the building of the new additions at the church. He was a charter member of the Concord Baptist Church in Jefferson City, where he assisted in the construction of the recreational facility.
In addition to his wife of 45 years, he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Allan Keith and Cheryl Olson of Russellville; a daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and George "G.A." Smith of Russellville; a sister and brother-in-law, LaDorna and Graham Ard of Warsaw; six grandchildren, Melissa Jo Olson, Kayla and Krystal Hamlyn, and Jared, Chase and Kalyn Smith, also nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday, September 26, at the Corticelli Baptist Church with Rev. Ryan Stiffler officiating. Interment will be in the Enloe Cemetery west of Russellville.
The family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00 P.M. Friday, September 25, at the Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home in Russellville. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Lions Club Ball Field Lights or the Corticelli Baptist Church Building Fund.