William E. Olsen, 64, of Hallettsville, TX, passed away peacefully in the arms of his devoted wife Sept. 24, 2015. He was born on Dec. 17, 1950 to Gilbert & Thelma Janik Olsen in Kingston, RI. He married Brenda Herndon on July 18, 2003 in Hallettsville. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War; and received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars, Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with 1960 Device, and Army Commendation Medal.

William was a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and Zion Lutheran Church of Moulton.

William is survived by: his wife Brenda; son Leif Derek Olsen and grandson Connor; daughter Amber Marie Olsen and grandson Mason; 2 brothers, Chris and Ricky Olsen; and sister Debbie Steward.

William was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gilbert Olsen

Funeral Service: 1 pm, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, at Zion Lutheran Church of Moulton. Visitation: 12 noon, Tuesday at the Zion Lutheran Church. Officiant: Rev. Herb Beyer. Burial: at a later date, a service and burial at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Memorials: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.