Capt. Howard William Olmsted

Capt. Howard William Olmsted (USMC Retired), age 81, of Tyler passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012, at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, surrounded by his loving family. Howard was born on April 1, 1931, in Akron, Ohio, to William Edward and Meryl Olmsted; they preceded him in death. Shortly after high school, he began a three decade-long career serving his country as a proud member of the United States Marines. He married the love of his life, Maybelle Joan Hailey, and together they spent almost 50 years as best friends, living a lifetime of memories, until her passing on June 30, 2004. Poppy, as he was affectionately known, was a stranger to no one. He loved the Texas Rangers and Andy Griffith, but his happiest moments were spent sharing time with his children and his grandchildren. Howard is survived by one daughter, Andrea Freeman and husband, Tony, of Flint; grandchildren, Nick Freeman of North Carolina, Toby Freeman of Tyler and Lilly Olmsted of Bentonville, Ark.; sister, Andrea Joenseth of California; brother, David Olmsted of Washington; daughter-in-law, Stacy Olmsted-Green of Bentonville, Ark.; and by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and very special friends. He was also preceded in death by one son, Howard William Olmsted II. A memorial service for Howard "Poppy" Olmsted will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, 2012, at Southern Oaks Baptist Church, with Brother Larry Craig and Brother Larry Melhart officiating. Burial will take place on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, at Fairview Cemetery in Joplin, Mo., with brother Larry Melhart officiating and under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701; or Toys for Tots, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172.