Paul C. Olson, 77, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away March 27, 2023 with his family by his side. A memorial service will be held April 14, 2023 at 1 PM with a visitation one hour prior at Windsor United Methodist Church in Des Moines, IA.

Paul was born in Des Moines, Iowa on August 18, 1945 to Lavern and Lloydine (Stewart) Olson. In his younger years, he loved riding motorcycles and working on cars.

Paul had two sons, Gene and Matt, and adopted one, Jeff. Later, Paul married Sharon Smith, and Paul took in her son, Arthur Smith, whom he considered his son. Once you are family to Paul, you are always his family.

Paul worked as a mechanic for the United States Postal Service, and he retired in 2007. However, work did not end for Paul once he got home, for he enjoyed helping his neighbors by mowing their lawns and shoveling their sidewalk. Later, Paul went to Clown School, and joined the Korn Patch Klowns. He got a lot of enjoyment from being in parades and making people smile. Paul was known to be a big clown in life, so pursuing this hobby to cheer children up suited him. His kind spirit did not stop there, for he has donated blood 322 times and over 70 gallons of blood.

Paul was also an extremely talented artist. When Arthur’s nephew was younger, his bedroom had four- feet high sidewalls and two slanted ceilings. Paul painted the whole room to look like a circus tent with multiple animals roaming the walls. He also enjoyed drawing cars and the Peanuts characters.

His family will always remember his John Wayne impersonations with his deep, bass voice; having a silly song for everything; and how he loved watching fireworks every Fourth of July. They will also miss how he made up words for everything and hearing him say “Hoppy Easter”, “Foo Foo’s” (when referring to rabbits), “Happy Turkey Day, Gobble Gobble”. Lastly, they will remember him for the way he loved God.

Paul cared for his cats and dogs, and he looked forward to walking his dog, Chewy, every day before he passed. Also, Paul’s biggest passion was his family, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Paul is survived by his sons, Arthur (Debra) Smith of Des Moines, IA, Jeff (Renee) Olson of Hot Springs, AR, Matt (Shalon) Olson of Johnston, IA, and Gene Olson of Des Moines, IA; daughter, Alicia Olson; his grandchildren Alize Olson, TJ Olson, Bethany Olson, Jonathan Richardson, Stephanie Smith, Joshua Olson, and Jeremiah Olson; Great-granddaughter Isla Olson; his sister, Virginia Sims of Nacogdoches, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sharon Smith-Olson; and his granddaughter, MaryJo Olson.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Windsor United Methodist Church.  Arrangements are under the direction of Iles Westover Chapel.

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