Mack's Inn man to be buried in Arlington

MACK'S INN — A memorial service with full military honors will be held for Richard Emmitt Oliver, known to everyone as "Dick", at Arlington National Cemetery at 9 a.m. Tuesday,  November 10, 2009.

DIck was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He passed away peacefully on August 22, 2009 at his beloved cabin in Mack’s Inn, with his family by his side.

Born, June 29, 1920, and raised in Weleetka, Oklahoma, he was the son of Floyd and Lela, and brother of Phil Oliver. He received his primary and secondary schooling in Weleetka, graduating as Salutatorian at age 16. He then continued his education at Oklahoma University and Texas Tech University.

Dick proudly enlisted in the Army Air Corp at Angel Island, CA. on December 20, 1939. He had an illustrious career in the US Military spanning three wars. He bravely fought in World War II as a bombardier on secret missions in the South Pacific, surviving two crash landings within a month of each other. One crash landing in a New Guinea swamp entailed a six week ordeal to reach the coast before the crew could be rescued. Dick was an active participant in the continuing efforts to retrieve their B-17E plane, known as the "Swamp Ghost," to preserve it for America’s military history. During the Korean War, he was a Company Commander and Battalion Adjutant for the Idaho National Guard. His long military career included serving in counter intelligence at Roswell, New Mexico.

Dick retired in 1969 after serving as Chief of Logistics at the Pentagon during the Vietnam War. Throughout Col. Oliver’s military career he earned many meritorious awards and achievements, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and Silver Star Medals. Upon his retirement from the Pentagon the family moved to California. They settled in Tiburon where he opened a real estate office and enjoyed many successful and happy years.

Dick’s passion for the outdoors and fly fishing led him to build a second home in Mack’s Inn with Linda, his beloved wife of 68 years. He loved to share their beautiful retreat with family and friends, taking everyone on lots of sightseeing trips through Yellowstone and surrounding areas to share the beauty and history of our National Parks. Dick’s commitment to family, love of nature, and dedication to country were guiding principles which he instilled in his family.

He is deeply missed by his wife Linda, children Mike (Nancy), Kathy (Sal) and Karen (Larry) and eight grandchildren, Rich, Rob, Justin, Adam (Melissa), Kelly, Laura, Matt and Jenni.
 

This is part of the October 29, 2009 online edition of The Island Park News.