Oliver Oral Firkins passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2015 in Fort Collins Colorado.
Oliver was the son of Willis Haskell Firkins and Mary Ann (Jones) Firkins was born August 1, 1925 at home in Canon City Colorado.
He attended and graduated from Canon City schools. He joined the Army Air Corps as soon as his age permitted. He served in WW2 as a Staff Sergeant in the Asiatic and Pacific theatres. Earning the good conduct medal, American Theatre ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre ribbon, 8 battle stars, Philippines Liberation ribbon with one bronze star, Southern Philippines ribbon,WW2 Victory medal, Distinguished Unit Citation.
He went into business with his brother, Norrel, running Firkins Brothers' Auto Service in Merino, CO. He migrated to delivering fuel oil and gas to area farmers.
He met and married Opal Arlene Sager on May 28, 1950. To this union three daughters were born. Arlene was killed in an auto accident in 1973.
He worked at Guenther Oil near Sterling and delivered mail in and around Merino. He served for a time as deputy sheriff for Logan County.
In 1964 they moved to Buckhorn Methodist Camp where he was manager for 6 years. In 1970 he became Post Master of Bellevue
He transferred to the Wellington Post Office where he worked until his retirement, receiving honors there.
He met, fell in love and married Mary Louise Dalton-Warnock in 1975, adding three more daughters to the family.
He was a member of Immanuel Community Church where he served as Deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years.
His sweet smile and infectious personality touched countless lives. He was always willing to share his love of the Lord with anyone interested.
He was chosen to attend Honor Flight to the nation's capital where he toured the mall and the WW2 memorial.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Burdette, Norrel, H. Elvin and Walter; his sisters, Ruth, Norma and Opal; his first wife, Arlene and one daughter, Patricia Schwindt.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Louise; 5 daughters, Peggy (Brad) Miles of Jackson Ml, Patty (Brent) Jeffers of Sidney, NE, Cheryl (Roger) Eyermann of Leesburg VA, Phyllis (Neal) Hurst of Thornton CO, and Robin (Kenneth) Geu of Sidney NE; one sister, Ila Matz of Canyon City CO; fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be given to Immanuel Community Church or Pathways Hospice in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Immanuel Community Church, 1725 W. Mulberry. Interment with Military Honors by the Fort Collins All Veterans Honor Guard will follow at Grandview Cemetery.