Virginia Beach, VA – Galen Stewart Olmstead passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the age of 83.

Galen was born on September 24, 1940, in Wichita, Kansas, to Melvin and Grace Olmstead. He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Kathryn Olmstead, and his brother Gene Olmstead. He is survived by his beloved wife Betty; his son Timothy and his wife Sevda, and their children Sofia and Jack; his daughter Erica and her husband Steve, and their children Rowan and Kellan; as well as his youngest son, Parry; and his siblings Carolyn Martin of Ottawa, Kansas, and John Olmstead of Eljay, Georgia.

Galen graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern Oklahoma State University. He served honorably in the U.S. Army for three years, including 25 months stationed in Eritrea, East Africa. After his active duty, he continued his service in the Army Reserve, the National Guard, and completed 16 years in the Navy Reserve. Galen dedicated over 25 years to public service as a civil servant within the federal government, notably with the Veterans Administration, where he was known for his unwavering commitment to supporting fellow veterans. He retired as the Facilities Manager from the Department of Commerce in 1990. He was also very active in supporting the West Neck community where he lived. Galen was an avid reader with over 700 books in his non-fiction library. He loved all types of sports, but his true passion was golfing with his buddies.

Throughout his life, Galen was a devoted family man and a pillar of strength and support. His dedication to his country, his family, and his community was a testament to his character. He will be remembered for his selflessness, warmth, and enduring love for those closest to him.

In Galen’s memory, the family requests that donations be made to St. John’s Baptist Church, 2300 Holland Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23453.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM, with a private viewing one hour prior to the service at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, 3445 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach. A reception will follow.

The burial service will take place at Quantico National Cemetery on a later date.