Olen Ray Sallee passed away at home in Ceres, California on August 12, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. At the age of 85, he lost his long battle with heart disease and COPD.
Olen was born December 7, 1935, in Seneca, Missouri to Everett and Delphine (Bangs) Sallee. He graduated from Diamond High School. He was a member of the Diamond Legion and Neosho National Guard. Olen married Donnis (Martin) on August 19, 1955, at Diamond Christian Church. Olen worked for Coulter Feed & Supply and they were owners of a Phillips 76 station in Carthage, Missouri. They moved to California in 1970 to pursue career opportunities. Olen worked at Boise Cascade before retiring from Westco as a welder. While in Ceres, California, they raised Ostriches, Emus, rabbits and award-winning Pot-bellied pigs. Olen enjoyed coaching baseball and watching the A’s but remained a loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan. He also enjoyed family gatherings for birthdays and holidays.
Olen is survived by his wife Donnis and sons Don (Sue), Ron (Charlotte), Rick (Virginia), Bill, Doug (Denise); brother Frank (Alvenia). His grandchildren Danyell, Tanya, Jacob, Angel, Anthony, James, Jared, Kevin and Cassie. And great-grandchildren Isaac, Haley, Xavier, Alex and Lily. He is predeceased by two of his children Kimberly (1968 –1970) and Bruce (1961 – 2012), his parents Everett and Delphine, sister Sandra and his brother Lee.
A service has been scheduled for Olen at 10 AM Monday, September 12, 2022, at Ulmer Funeral Home Carthage, Missouri. Burial will be at Diamond Cemetery in Diamond, Missouri following the service.
