Mr. Robert E. “Oly” Olinger, 87, of Abingdon, passed away peacefully at 2:45 am, Tuesday October 1, 2024, at the Knoxville Courtyard Estates.
Oly was born August 23, 1937, in Galesburg the son of Robert C. and Mary Louise (Nuckles) Olinger. He graduated from Abingdon High School in 1955 and soon after married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Ann Peterson. On March 3, 1956, Oly and Joyce united, settled down in Abingdon and began growing their family.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Joyce; his five children, Steve Olinger of Pekin, Illinois, Don (Haydee) Olinger of Park Ridge, Illinois, Teresa (the late Jerry) Allen, Chris (Barb Brush) Olinger and Jody (Jack) Way all of Abingdon; his sister, Shirley (the late Phil) Sparks of Abingdon; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, nine great great grandchildren and four close cousins, Marilyn Olinger, Linda Ryan, Lynne Skinner and Ronnie Nuckles. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his two brothers, Dick and Jim.
Oly held varies jobs over his lifetime, from running a truck for several farmers in the area, supervising a shift at HO Canfield to delivering farm equipment for the Abingdon Massey Ferguson Implement and the Monmouth John Deere Implement for a span of over sixty years. Oly also maintained the family farm and lived on the farm for ten years, before moving into Abingdon. After retiring, Oly and Joyce took great pleasure in their camping adventures, anywhere from Texas to Arizona in their RV, and eventually their fifth wheel. Oly had a love for riding his motorcycle and took pride in being a charter member of the Abingdon Motorcycle Club. He also was a member of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). Throughout his time riding or traveling, Oly was quick to memorize his favorite restaurants, their menus and the routes to take to get there. And along the way he could tell you who lived where and whose farm ground was whose. Oly had mastered the art of shuffleboard and was known across the counties as being one of the best.
Oly was a member of the Abingdon Masonic Lodge #0185 and the Abingdon Christian Church.
A Celebration of Oly’s Life will be held from 3:00-5:00 pm Sunday, October 20, 2024 at the Abingdon American Legion. Cremation will be accorded, and burial will be in Haynes Cemetery, Delong, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the family to establish a memorial fund in Oly’s name. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is honored to assist his family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com.
