Gary Leo Olney

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gary Leo Olney on December 20, 2020. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Gary was born in Coldwater, Michigan on the eleventh day of June 1944 to Leo and Willow Mae Olney. He grew up on a farm and always had funny stories to tell from his childhood. His first school was a one-room schoolhouse in California Corners, Michigan. He graduated from Coldwater High School in 1962. In 1984, he moved his family to Texas. Gary was married to his best friend and the love of his life, Carolyn Olney. He was a genuinely good person who would strike up a conversation with anyone. Everyone who knew Gary loved him for his kind heart and quick wit. He especially enjoyed sharing tall tales, humorous stories, and making you laugh until you cried.

Gary is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and their five daughters and their families, Angela and Mike Cowan of Belton, Texas, and their children Micaela, Wyatt, Erin and Maura, Dawn and Michael Slagle of Conroe, Texas, and their children Danielle and Hendrik Sijthoff and Chloe Winters, Andrea and Luke Soules of San Antonio, and their children Brett and Erik Neunhoffer and Luther Soules, Amanda Vaughan of San Antonio, and her children, Taylor and Marc Patino, Aubry, and Trace, and Alaina and John Bendele of San Antonio and their sons, Tanner and Lane. He had three great-grandchildren, Hank Sijthoff, Zayden Palmer, and Aaliyah Vaughan.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Willow Mae Olney, his brother Jerry Olney, and sister Janice Ridenour. He is survived by his sisters Darlene Rehner of Coldwater, Michigan, and Sheryl Lemmerman of Ocala, Florida. Gary is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

The family wants to thank all of Gary’s doctors, especially Dr. Walter Walthall and Dr. Edwin Whitney for their many years of excellent care and friendship.

A rosary will be recited January 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Followed by a memorial mass in his honor at 11:30 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, where he was a member for many years. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Animal Defense League of San Antonio.