Gary Duane Olinger

Gary Duane Olinger, 83, formerly of Nelsonville, OH passed away on August 31, 2022, in Lancaster, OH. Gary was born on August 1, 1939, to the late Theodore and Audrey (Handorf) Olinger. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Shyrl, and their daughter, Laura.

Gary was born ready to embrace life's adventures. As a child, he spent summers on his grandpa and uncle’s farms in Iowa. Wanting to be more “grown-up,” he climbed onto a huge tractor one day, started the motor, and took off with his grandpa running in chase, wondering how Gary had climbed up the “darn thing,” let alone get it started. It turned out that determination was one of Gary’s many strengths.

Specialist 4 Olinger served in the Army (’57-’60) as a radio operator, mostly on small Pacific islands. Honorably discharged, he pursued and earned a BA in Business Administration from Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, CO where he met his future bride, Shyrl. They were married and three years later, Laura was born.

Gary pursued a 20-year career in food service administration; it took the family from Colorado and eventually ended in Ohio (with stints at OU and OSU). During this period, and never one to say “No” to adventure, Gary spent two years in Saudi Arabia, working as a Support Service Director. Again, he felt the call of adventure as he shed his suit and tie to become an owner/operator of a big rig. Diving cross-country was a life changer. It brought his extended family closer as he was able to visit and connect with family in Iowa, Colorado, and California. Shyrl also enjoyed co-driving with him during her summer vacations from teaching.

When Gary and Shyrl both officially retired, he sold the big rig. Now their mutual love for travel really began with the purchase of a beloved Airstream trailer; they joined the Wally Byam Airstream Club and for the next 16 years “lived the Airstream dream” going on national caravans, International, Region, and local rallies, and serving their local club in various capacities. It culminated with Gary serving two years as Region 4 (OH, WV, MI) President until he could no longer do what he loved, due to physical limitations. Gary was also a 50 year 32nd degree Mason and member of Paramuthian Lodge 25, Athens OH.

In those travel years, Gary added some international traveling with his family. For his 60th birthday, Laura teased him with a trip to Scandinavia to discover his Viking heritage…all he had to do was pay for it - and he did so, happily! Gary enjoyed life and his family and friends to the fullest. Included were Shyrl’s sister, Bev and her husband, Al Erickson and their California family. Not to be forgotten was Gary’s faithful 4-legged friend, Scruffy.

The family would like to thank the staff of Primrose Assisted Living and Pickering House Hospice in Lancaster, Ohio for their wonderful care during Gary’s final days.

Inurnment with full Military Honors will take place at 10:00a.m. on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO.

Memorial contributions in Gary's memory may be made to the American Red Cross-Athens Ohio, the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, or a charity of your choice.