Merlon "Keith" Olson, age 94, of Walnut, died Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Allure of Walnut.

          Keith was born September 20, 1930 in Manlius, the son of Lloyd and Letha (Smith) Olson.  He graduated from Manlius High School in 1948 and married Elinor VanOrmer on September 25, 1949 in Manlius.  She preceded him in death on January 10, 2008.  With his love for farming, Keith’s hog farming career lasted from 1949-1965.  He then worked at Kraft in Manlius for approximately nine years.  He retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation in 1997 after 25 years of employment.  Keith was a member of the First Christian Church in Walnut, served as a member of the Greenville Township Board for 25 years, and was a proud member of the Bureau County Sports Hall of Fame since he played on the Manlius 1946, 1947 back-to-back undefeated Little 8 football championship teams.  He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and was a true friend to all who knew him.

          He is survived by his two sons, Marion Olson of Glen Ellyn and Michael (Carol) Olson of Danville; one brother, Leon (Barbara) Olson of Atkinson; four grandchildren, Matthew (Jenny) Olson, Karyn (Israel) Burkholder, Tom (Shannon Wolfman) Olson, and David (Allison Altenberger-Olson) Olson; three great grandchildren, Ryan, Nailani, and Elinor; and several nieces and nephews.

          He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; one brother, Ivan Olson; and one daughter-in-law, Janet Olson.

          A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 11:00 – Noon at the Garland Funeral Home in Walnut.  The funeral will follow at Noon with Reverend Brian Wilson of the First Christian Church in Walnut officiating.  Burial will be at Manlius Cemetery.

          In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the Walnut Rescue Squad and the First Christian Church in Walnut.

          Online condolences may be sent to www.garlandfuneralhomes.com