Emil Paul Olsen

Emil Paul Olsen, 82, son of Fred Hilary and Ruby Wilson Olsen of Hyrum, Utah, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025 from a heart attack, among other complications. Paul was born on August 2, 1943 in Logan, Utah the last of twelve children. 

Paul spent a good portion of his childhood in a vapor tent due to asthma, hay fever, and pneumonia. In following years, Paul was entered (involuntarily) in local freckle contests by his sisters, because of his red hair and complexion. His quiet and shy manner caused his reluctance to attend school, but with a little gentle backside encouragement from his mother, he did ultimately attend. Paul’s favorite teacher was Betsy Brown, “the woman who always wore purple”. Though Paul was not particularly social, his sole companion was a little classmate named Patti, with whom he danced, walked to school and ate lunch. Their friendship faded as high school began. During high school Paul went to sporting contests, but avoided the inevitable fights that came with those activities. 

Paul’s military status was 4-F, and it was not until he was 24 that he was drafted into the army, something that he had longed and prayed for. Training took him to Texas, Virginia, and Georgia, where he ultimately was trained as a mechanic on a Huey helicopter. He spent one year in Vietnam keeping those machines running, which at times presented him with dangerous situations. He was very prou8d of his service. Paul was at best confused at the reception that he and others received when returning from the war in Vietnam. 

A young woman by the name of Anne Marie, from Maine, caught his eye, and the two were married in June of 1972. He and Anne made a home for several people in need during those years. The couple divorced after two decades of marriage.

For over twenty-six years, Paul worked for the Defense Depot in Ogden, and then was a handyman for several years beyond. 

Subsequent to several years of searching, Paul settled on Manatha Baptist Church in Logan. There he developed his faith in Jesus Christ, and felt a strong fellowship with his fellow congregants. He served three missions for his church, among other acts of service. 

Paul is predeceased by his parents and eleven brothers and sisters, including Wayne, Merle Ross, Afton (Green), Gene Vernon, Ruby Eileen (Schultz), Iris Bee (Andrews), Marian Elaine (McFarland), Marva Lou (Richardson), Gaylon Hilary, Violent Faye, and Sondra (Alvis). Surely the entire tribe interrupted a lively card game to welcome Paul home.

Thanks are due to Paul’s friends and staff at Pioneer Lodge in North Logan, Cynthia Richardson, Blake and Marilyn Andrews. Services will be held on Weds. February 19, at 11am at Emmanuel Baptist Church, at 310 North 800 East, in Hyrum, under the direction of Pastor Don Woody, after which a few moments will be spent at the grave site at the Hyrum Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.