William Olin, Sr.

Bill Olin, born on April 22, 1944, at Mercy Hospital in Canton, Ohio, was the beloved son of Dorothy Pauline Chenoweth and Robert Earl Olin Jr. From the beginning, Bill's journey in life was marked by both challenges and determination. He was the second of three children, following his brother Bobby and preceding his sister Sally Jo.

At a young age, Bill and his siblings faced the hardships of polio, with Bill spending time in an iron lung—a difficult chapter that deeply shaped their lives and the bond they shared. Despite these early challenges, Bill persevered, attending Summit Elementary School in Canton, Ohio and later graduating from Lehman High School, Canton, Ohio, alongside his sister, Sally Jo.

Bill’s strong desire to serve in the Navy was evident throughout his youth. Upon graduating high school, he joined the military on August 2, 1962. His determination was clear when he overcame initial obstacles to enlist, gaining weight through sheer willpower, humor, and a lot of bananas! Bill began his service at boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, and subsequently embarked on an incredible journey, serving aboard the USS Glacier, an icebreaker that took him to destinations like the Panama Canal, New Zealand, and the Antarctic. Later, he served on the USS Ranger during the Vietnam War.

Bill met and married Lupe Ortiz on December 11, 1971 at The Church of the Nazarene in Abernathy, Texas.

After his military service, Bill moved to Midland, Texas, where he built a successful career, eventually becoming a manager with National Car Rental. His life was further enriched through a chance encounter with G.W. Bush, which led to a cherished correspondence over the years.

In the early 1990s, after a hospitalization, Bill and his wife Lupe moved back to Canton for a brief period before settling in Lubbock, Texas. Bill worked various jobs while cherishing the time spent with Lupe, who sadly predeceased him in 2021. He continued to reside in Lubbock, where he was called home on March 27, 2025.

Throughout his life, Bill found joy in singing in the church choir, sharing laughter through his storytelling, and traveling. He was a father, grandfather, brother, and friend, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert "Bobby" Olin III and grandson Daniel Olin.

He is survived by his daughter, Juliet Brown; son, William Eugene Olin Jr.; sister, Sally Jo Trethewey and her husband Richard J. Trethewey; brother, Henry James Stuchul; eight grandchildren; niece Kristin Markling; nephew Matthew Markling; and many other family members and friends.

Bill Olin will be remembered for his unwavering spirit, laughter, and love for his family and community. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. 

A service with Military Honors will be held at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date.

In Bill's words, "That's all folks!"