Donald B. Olsen

Dr. Donald B. Olsen of Inman, KS formerly of McPherson and Salina, went to be with the lord on April 8th, 2025.

Don was born on November 6th 1939, in Alhambra, California to Clifford and Delma Olsen. He graduated high school in California. After graduating from high school Don went on to spend six years in the Army reserves along with going to Australia on his mission trip in 1962.

Don met and married Nancy Lockwood in June of 1964. From this union came two daughters, Melanie Olsen and Shelley Miller. They later divorced. He later met and married Iris Bartlet in 1984. Along with Iris came two daughters, Libby and Maggie Bartlet.

Don earned his Masters and PHD from the University of Tennessee before returning to California. He then moved to Salina, Kansas in the fall of 1977. He returned to California over Christmas break to bring the rest of his family to Salina. Needless to say, this was quite a culture shock for his girls. Don taught at Kansas Wesleyan University for another 28 years before retiring in 2005, as a Professor Emeritus. He was instrumental in establishing the Criminal Justice Department at Kansas Wesleyan University and was very active in student life, attending all home football and basketball games. Through out his time in Salina he served in many organizations and boards. While serving as Co-Chairman and Chairman of the Jail Advisory Board, he helped influence the building of the new jail and was active in the M2 Organization to rehabilitate paroled offenders. Don was also active in the homeless and hunger task force and trained paraprofessionals across Kansas in cultural diversity and behavior disorders for the Kansas State Department of Education. He had also been a long-time guardian/conservator and advocate for the mentally ill and disabled.

Don is survived by daughter Shelley Miller (Dan), grandchildren Logan and Nicole of McPherson, KS, step daughters Libby Bartlett of Overland Park, KS and Maggie Bartlett (William Kisamo), grandchildren Andrey and Sia of Milwaukee, WI and his sisters, Karen Teel of Provo, Utah and Bobbie Myrick of Springville, Utah. He also left behind several cousins, aunts, uncles and many students whose lives he touched.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Clifford, his second wife, Iris, his first wife Nancy, and his daughter Melanie.

There will be a graveside service for Don at 2 pm Friday, June 6, 2025 at Empire Cemetery in Galva, KS.

Memorials may be sent to Kansas Wesleyan University in Don’s honor or to Shelley Miller in care of MKCU, PO Box 107, Moundridge, KS 67107 with Don’s name on the memo line.

To leave a condolence for the family, visit: www.inmanfh.com.