Darwin Eugene Olson was born on October 27, 1947, in Red Oak, IA the son of Frederick Eugene and Betty Mae (Henderson) Olson.  Darwin entered into eternal peace on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at the Nebraska Medical Center surrounded by his loving and supportive family. 

Darwin was raised on a farm near Essex, Iowa and attended Coburg School through his Junior High years.  He then attended Essex High School and graduated with the Class of 1965.  He went on to further his education at Peru State College, where he received his Bachelors Degree in 1970.  In 1981 he received his Master’s Degree in Administration from Kansas State University. 

On June 14, 1969 Darwin was united in marriage to his best friend, Nancy Burke in Stanton, Iowa.  Following their marriage they resided in Peru, Nebraska until they finished college.  They then moved to Seneca, Kansas, Onaga, Kansas, Mankato, Kansas, Wamego, Kansas and finally to Augusta, Kansas where the couple has made their home for the past 9 years. 

Darwin’s career in education began as a history teacher and coach at the Nemaha Valley Jr. High in Seneca, Kansas where he taught from 1970 until 1981.  He then took his first Principal position for the Onaga School System in Onaga, Kansas where he served from 1981-1995.  While in Onaga he also was a beloved coach at Onaga High School.  He later accepted a Principal position with Mankato Elementary School where he served for 4 years.  His final Principal position before retiring was with Riley Grade School where he served from 1999-2003.  He had most recently been a bus driver for Butler County Transportation. 

Darwin was a longtime member of the Kansas Association for Elementary Administrator’s and was very active in many church, school and community activities.  He enjoyed gardening, sports and helping others.  Spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren brought him much joy.  Darwin was a very compassionate and caring person.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Delores.  Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Nancy of Augusta, KS; daughters Jill Grimmett and husband Michael of Augusta, KS and Brenda DeHass and husband Mike of Andover, KS; grandchildren Gretchen and Hannah Grimmett and Derek, McKenzie and Danielle DeHass; brothers Tom Olson and wife Jennifer of Shenandoah, IA and Bob Olson and wife Susan of Essex, IA; sister Sharon Buckminster and husband Kim of Falls City, NE; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. 

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at the Augusta United Methodist Church in Augusta, KS.  Memorials may be directed to the Augusta United Methodist Church.  Burial will follow services in Darwin's hometown of Essex, Iowa of Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the Faith Covenant Church.  Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah, Iowa is in charge of the arrangements.