Burl Olmstead

Burl Olmstead, 91, of Yakima, Washington, died July 23, 2024. 

He was born in Lake City, Aug. 2 1932. Burl was an avid reader, and excellent chess player and held a dry and sarcastic wit that he leveled upon anyone. From a young age, he delivered coal in the winter and Ice in the summer from the Ice House his father owned. Constantly hoisting these 200 pound blocks sparked physical strength that led him to being named All State in Football and the winning of the State Championship in the mile relay in 1950.

Burl, foregoing a football scholarship to Duke University, followed instead his direct ancestors’ Revolutionary and Civil War examples and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1950 during the Korean War.

After his years of service, like many Iowans, he left for California. On a blind date he met another Iowan - Darlene Clark - to whom he was married for over 65 years. Burl worked for W.T. Grants as an assistant manager - transferring to Yakima, Washington,  in 1962.

He later worked at Continental Foods and Pressure Cleaning Systems in sales, until in 1980 purchasing a dilapidated Car Wash on 10th Avenue and Nob Hill, turning it into a prosperous business for 35 years. Burl and his wife also owned Apartments, the Enchanted Forest Boutique, along with Espressos – and many other business ventures.

Burl became a private pilot with the Civil Air Patrol, and enjoyed numerous boating excursions with his family. As a land developer, he envisioned and completed the neighborhood Olmstead Court in West Valley. He was a member of the Elks, Kiwanis, and served on the board of Trustees as a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church.

Burl is preceded in death by his father Harry, his mother Iva who died of Stomach Cancer when he was just 12, younger brother Kenny, as well as his WWII Veteran brothers Robert and Bernard Killion.

He is survived by his sister Karen, wife Darlene, son Eric (Stacy), Daughter Annette (Adam) Plymale, Grandchildren Bryonna, Miranda, Jackson, and Jessica, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Yakima, Washington,  on Saturday, August 24th at 11:00.  Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Olmstead family.

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