Fallen Hero: Retired Sergeant First Class Clifford Albert Olson, Jr.

Courtland

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Funeral Home

Wells Funeral Home

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Obituary

Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:

Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.

In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on Aug 5, 2024 and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Sergeant First Class Clifford Albert Olson, Jr, age 78, who had served within the MSARNG as a recruiter within the MSARNG R & R Battalion has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.

You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.

Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.

Obituary, Visitation, and Service details:
Clifford Albert Olson, Jr., fondly known as “Topper”, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2024 at his home in Courtland, MS.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM in the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the interment to follow at Forrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends two hours prior, beginning at 10:00 AM.

Born in 1945 on the 3rd day of May, in Bruce, Mississippi, Topper lived a life full of dedication and service to his country, loved ones, and community.

Topper’s career as a National Guard Recruiter spanned over two decades, during which he also served as a liaison for the MS Army National Guard as the family assistance specialist. His commitment to helping others extended beyond his professional life into his personal endeavors. He graduated from Halsted School in Yonkers, NY, in 1963, and later attended Northwest Community College where he not only furthered his education but also found the love of his life.

In addition to his military service in the Mississippi Army National Guard from 1965 to 2000, Topper was an active member of various communities. He was known for his avid interests in deer hunting, woodworking, and bass fishing. A faithful member of the Courtland United Methodist Church, Topper dedicated his time and talents to serving in numerous roles within the church. His presence as a Courtland Alderman further exemplified his dedication to making a positive impact on those around him.
The family he leaves behind to cherish his legacy of love and compassion include his wife of 59 years, Clara M. Olson; his three children, Janet Oberheim (Steve), Cliff Olson, and Chris Olson (Amy); 6 grandchildren, Lauren Stadler (Reed), Stephen Oberheim, Sydney Olson (Nic Hembree), Kristen Buchanan (Chris), Madison House (Joseph), and Jack Olson; and 4 great grandchildren, Georgia Kate Hembree, Charlotte Olivia Buchanan, Lillian Mae House, and Miles Nash House.

Topper’s personality shone brightly through his compassionate nature and unwavering love for his family. He touched the lives of many with his kindness and willingness to go above and beyond for those in need. Rest in peace, Topper, your legacy will forever inspire those whose lives you touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that any memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Children’s Hospital Colorado- Denver.