Thomas Lee Olson

Thomas Lee Olson, 76, of Humble, Texas passed away on July 10, 2023 while visiting his daughter in his beloved Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He was born March 4, 1947 in Escanaba, Michigan to Irene Evelyn (Thompson) and Leonard Emil “Gump” Olson. Tom attended Escanaba schools graduating in 1965. He was active in football, choir and served as President of Student Council. He enjoyed staying in contact with his classmates and attending class reunions. He attended Northern Michigan University for two years and then transferred to Alma College where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education (secondary social studies) in 1969. He began his teaching career at LaSalle High School in St. Ignace, MI and taught there for twelve years. He served as a class advisor to many of the classes. He then taught secondary social studies in Humble ISD for 39 years, retiring in 2020. Since his retirement, he enjoyed subbing and being back with students and former colleagues. Teaching was truly a calling for him. He remained in contact with many of his former students and recently enjoyed celebrating high school reunions in St. Ignace, MI. His students lovingly referred to him as “Mr. O.” His favorite pastimes were playing cards, watching Jeopardy, reading and writing fiction. He married his wife, the former Joyce Clark Wightman, on June 21, 1980 in Iron River, MI. They recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Mark Olson. He is survived by his wife Joyce; three daughters; Helmi Olson, Iron Mountain, MI; Sarah Hunt (Dave), Wheaton, IL; and Kristen Knecht (Ronnie) Kingwood, TX; his six beloved grandchildren who called him Papa; RC Knecht (8), Sawyer Hunt (7), Jackson Knecht (4), Sophia Hunt (4), Evelyn Knecht (2) and Harrison Hunt (1); two brothers; Jerry (Jean) Olson, Bloomington, IN; Mike Olson, Escanaba, MI and several nieces and nephews. Tom and his family were lifelong supporters of Presbytery Point Camp in Michigamme, MI. He attended the camp as a camper and then served as a lifeguard, counselor and director. He was lovingly referred to by campers and staff as “Uncle Tom.” Tom and Joyce served as camp managers for twenty summers. Their children spent summers at the camp and proceeded to serve as staff members in later years as well. Tom was a lifelong Presbyterian and was a charter member of Atascocita Presbyterian Church, in Humble, TX. He served on several committees and enjoyed communicating and visiting with fellow church members. There will be two memorial services celebrating Tom’s life. The first one will take place on Saturday, August 19th at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, MI. Visitation will take place from 9:30am-11:00am followed by the memorial service at 11am. The second service will take place at Atascocita Presbyterian Church in Humble, TX at a later fall date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to either: Presbytery Point Camp: 819 1st Avenue S. Escanaba, MI 49829 Presbytery Point Camp: https://www.presbyterypoint.org/ or Atascocita Presbyterian Church: 19426 Atasca Oaks Drive Humble, TX 77346 Atascocita Presbyterian Church: https://apchumble.org/give.php

Thomas Lee Olson

March 4, 1947 - July 10, 2023