Virgil Leo Olson

Virgil Leo “Bud” Olson, a 92 year old former Heyburn and Paul resident, passed away Thursday, March 10, 2016 in Kennewick, Washington. He was born on February 28, 1924 in Heyburn, in what was then called Big Bend because of the big bend in the Snake River on which the family ranch was located. He was the fourth child born to Leo and Vera Olson, in a close knit family of nine children. His father had cleared the land from virgin grounds and had made a farm and ranch with all kinds of animals and crops. Virgil worked in the fields with his father and developed a real love for horses that lasted all his life. On the ranch he had his own pony called “Little Blackie”.  He trained Little Blackie to do all kinds of tricks, and amazed the neighbors by standing on the back of his pony and jumping rope while at a full gallop. This love of horses became a part of his life. He was a real cowboy and enjoyed trail rides and was a member of the Twin Falls Mounted Sheriffs Posse. He also loved cowboy poetry and was an active participant in the gatherings.
The family moved to Paul, Idaho when Virgil was about 14 years old and he attended Paul High School. When the second world war broke out, Virgil enlisted in the Army. He was a Medic serving in Okinawa and was in Calcutta India for 21 months. He was one of the few remaining veterans still living from that war. After the war he returned home and married Veeta Ward. To this union a son Roger Lynn was born. They were divorced and later he married Ann Jensen. To this union, two daughters were born. Tara Lynn and Julie Ann. This marriage also ended in divorce. Later he met and married the love of his life, Geraldine “Geri” Hatten of Declo. This brought three more children into his life, Bob, Lisa and Casey.
A special thanks goes to his son Roger and his granddaughter, Kami (Pete) Lowry and their two children, Ryan and Aaron for the love and devotion they extended to him over the years. They were Virgil’s pride and joy and he loved them dearly.
Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Vera Olson; four sisters, Fern Rutledge, La Vere Maxfield, Shirley Olson and Hazel Hulse; one brother, Arland Olson. He is survived by his loving wife Geri, his son Roger Baisch, two daughters, Tara Lynn Biddenger and Julie Ann Duncan of Boise. Three granddaughters, Kami, Sara and Melissa; two step-children, Lisa and Casey; grandson Kirk Baisch; two sisters, Darlene (Gerald) Whitesides and Nita (Kenneth) Wells of Burley. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who dearly loved their uncle Bud, he was their hero.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2016 at the Morrison Payne Funeral Home, 321 East Main Street in Burley. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery in Heyburn with Military Honors provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Auxiliaries. Friends may call from 1:00 until 1:45 at the Funeral Home on Friday prior to the funeral. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Payne Funeral Home in Burley.

Funeral: Friday Mar 18 2016

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Virgil Leo Olson, please visit our floral store.