Olin Swaim Gladden (Bolivar)'s Obituary
A much-loved father, grandfather, son and brother, Olin Gladden, 78, of Halfway, Missouri, passed away on February 18, 2025 after a long illness. He was born September 22, 1946, in Buffalo, Missouri. Olin was a Sergeant in the US Air Force from 1968-1972 and served during the Vietnam War and received an Honorable Discharge for his service. Being a member of the military was one of Olin’s most proud accomplishments that he spoke about often.
Olin purchased land and built a homestead in Halfway, Missouri in the mid 70’s. He and his family moved to Anchorage, Alaska in 1980 where Olin worked as an wastewater operator for the Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility from 1982-1988. He was a passionate outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman his entire life. He led the family on many adventures fishing and camping in the Alaskan wilderness. He moved back to Halfway in 1988 to be closer to his parents. He had an impressive gun collection and enjoyed going to gun shows after he retired. Olin never met a stranger and would often give a stranger a ride, fix a tire, or pull someone out of a ditch. He liked being a help to others whenever he could. In 2015 Olin suffered a health crisis and relocated to a full care health facility in Troy, MO so he could be close to family. All of his kids and grandkids visited him frequently. While he was still physically able, he loved going for an afternoon drive in the sunshine in the convertible.
He is survived by his daughter Michele Moellering and husband Tim of Troy, MO; daughter Jodi Southwick of San Diego, CA; daughter Tanna Morgan and husband Chris of Houston, TX; son Olin Swaim Gladden II and wife Amanda of Denver, CO; son Kevin Gladden and wife Chelsea of Houston, TX; granddaughters Morgan, Brooke, Madison, Isabel, and Gabrielle; grandsons Anthony, Luke, and Caysen. He was preceded in death by his father, Noel Gladden; and mother Cassie Gladden; and brother Eugene Gladden.
Interment will take place at 1:00 pm on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Lindley Creek Missionary Baptist Church, Goodson, MO where Olin will be laid to rest next to his parents.
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