Mervin (Merv) E Olson, 97 years old, formerly of Aurora and DeKalb, and recently of Herrin, Illinois, passed away on February 2, 2025, at Helia Healthcare of Energy, Illinois. 

He was born on February 22, 1927, in DeKalb, Illinois, to William E. and Mary F. (nee Henderson) Olson.

Merv graduated from DeKalb High School in 1944.  He then volunteered for the U.S. Navy, serving 1 ½ years at the end of World War II, and traveling almost around the world. Merv married Glennis Kidd on January 25, 1947. She passed away in 2006 after 59 years of marriage. He worked for DeKalb Agriculture in research and truck driving until 1955. They moved to Aurora and he joined Carpenter’s Union Local 916, retiring in December 1991.

Merv was a life member of the American Legion Post 84 in Aurora, serving twice as Commander, as District Chaplain, and in many other offices over 67 years. He was a proud member of American Legion Post 84 Color Guard, marching for many decades in parades and at concerts.

He was proud of his children, Deborah (Robert) Alcorn, and Cynthia Olson (deceased). He is survived by his daughter Deborah and son-in-law Robert Alcorn of Johnston City, Merv was a terrific grandpa, and was proud of his grandchildren, Daniel (Martha) Alcorn of Herrin, IL, Nick (Megan) Alcorn and great grandson Andrew Alcorn of Cookeville, Tennessee, his brother-in-law Doug Kidd of Genoa, sister-in-law Linda Kidd and many nieces and nephews and their families. 

He was predeceased by: his wife, daughter Cynthia Laurene Olson, parents, parents-in-law Charles and Mary Kidd; siblings Beatrice Smith (Tiny) Crabtree (Ed), Lydia (Bill) Wallace, and Merle (Ruby) Olson, brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenneth (Estelle) Kidd, Gladys (Jay) Casey, Barbara (Joe) Smith, Charles V. Kidd (Patsy), Bob (Linda-surviving) Kidd, Sandy (Doug) Kidd and several nieces and nephews.

He is remembered by long term DeKalb and Aurora friends and by his friends at the Burger Nook in Herrin, where he was known as “Smiley”. Merv enjoyed taking numerous cruises with his niece and nephew-in-law Sherrye and Allen Kuhn.  He travelled to Minneapolis, Seattle, Kansas City, and Charleston, South Carolina, for enjoyable reunions with his shipmates from the USS Cacapon. Merv was a sweet, kind man, a gentleman, friend, and the best Dad a woman could have. He will be greatly missed by all who know him.

Merv’s family would like to thank the staff and management at Bounce Back, Villas of Holly Brook in Carterville, Helia of Energy, and Breeze Hospice for their caring, professional, and sound medical care of our loved one. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb.  Burial will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery with Military Honors by the DeKalb American Legion.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 10, from 11:00 AM until time of service at 1 in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Olson Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.