Joseph M. Olds

Joseph M. Olds, 82, of Benton died March 15, 2008, in Benton. He was born Aug. 10, 1925, in Commerce, Okla., to Ola Preston and Sadie Van Dyke Olds. Mr. Olds was a pastor most of his adult life. His first pastorate was in 1957 at Rock Springs, Wyo. In 1958, he moved his family to Grants Pass, Ore., to build and pastor a church there for a total of six years. He went on to start and pastor churches in Washington, Idaho, Texas and Missouri before coming to Benton in 1973. He started the Apostolic Tabernacle in 1974 in the family home, with a designated room as his church, until he, along with the help of church members, began building the current facilities. He also pastored Lawson Road Pentecostal Church for a short time. Poor health caused his early retirement in late 1986. He was a member of Apostolic Tabernacle at the time of his passing.

Besides his parents, three brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Virginia Olds; three daughters, Kathy Cooley and husband Bob of Longview, Texas, Stella Messner and husband Everett of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Esther Craig and husband Michael of Harrisburg, Ark.; one son, Gary Olds and wife Diane of Haskell; two brothers, Bill Olds and wife Peggy of Coos Bay, Ore., and Ole Olds and wife Darla of Iowa Park, Texas; two sisters, Mabel McGee and Alta Payne, both of Kennewick, Wash.; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 18, at the Apostolic Tabernacle in Benton, with Pastor Jay Emerson officiating. Burial followed in Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander.

Serving as pallbearers were Don Richardson, Ron Rogers, Bill Hudson, Charles Huff, William Clay and Chad Olds. Bill Richardson was honorary pallbearer.

Memorials may be made to Apostolic Tabernacle, 2314 Military Road, Benton, AR 72015.