David Lawrence Olds

Community legend, David L. Olds, 82, of Stevensville, MD, passed away on January 22, 2023, at his home. He was born on April 17, 1940, in Washington DC, the son of the late Harold Olds and Deloris Manas. At 18 years of age, Dave made a choice that would prove to be the wisest choice he ever made. A local beauty by the name of Kaaren caught his eye and the rest, as they would say, is history. After his career began with the DC Fire Department, Kaaren Lee Roland agreed to become Mrs. Olds and that love spanned over 60 years. This union produced three children, Michael Allen (Brenda) Olds, Connie Marie (Rob) Beasley and Janet Lynn (Frank) McClelland. The decision was made to leave DC and begin anew in Mayo, MD. Picture if you will, a childhood where your father coaches your football, softball, basketball teams, teaches you to hunt and fish and sometimes put you and your friends' lives in danger sledding on a car hood tethered to a rope hooked to the back of a truck. (The family would like to extend their apologies to anyone who lost a mailbox due to the parenting skills that were considered the norm in the 70’s.) The final move for the Olds family was when they crossed the Bay Bridge and settled in God’s country. These 39 years continued to showcase Dave’s desire to support his community through means such as coaching Little League Football, serving a term as County Commissioner, volunteering, and subsequently being voted in as President, of the United Communities Fire Department. We would be remiss if we failed to mention Dave’s stint as an Air Force reservist, several years as the president of the Mayo Athletic Association, regular attendance at Bayside Restaurant in Edgewater with The Boozers as well as a ROMEO (if you know, you know) at the Dunkin Donuts on Kent Island. Little known fact: Dave was a Character Counts Coach. We can only assume that originally he thought that he would be coaching people on how to be a character. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his siblings, Aubrey (Sonny Boy), Margie, Verna, and Judy; and his grandson, Billy McClelland. Along with his wife and children, David is survived by his grandchildren, Morgan (Jordan) King, Victoria (Brad) Martz, Lauren Olds, Karolynn (Jordan) Beasley; his great-grandchildren, Harper Martz, Hayden Martz, Oliva King; his sister, Margaret; his brothers, Harold (Scottie) and Robert (Reo); and nieces and nephews. His most coveted title was Pop. One granddaughter declared that he was born to be a Pop. Another granddaughter stated, “I feel grateful that I got to be one of his grandchildren. It was a special thing to be.” There are stories from both shores of Dave’s positive impact on family and friends. We hope that you will join his family and share your stories at the Celebration of Life this Saturday the 28th of January at 2 pm at the United Communities Fire Department. (If your story does not fit the celebration theme or has anything to do with a mailbox, we request that you keep it to yourself.) In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: Compass Hospice, 255 Comet Dr. Centreville, MD 21617 7 (donorperfect.net) or The United Community Fire Department, 9406 Romancoke Road, Stevensville, MD 21666 (square.site).

David Lawrence Olds

April 17, 1940 - January 22, 2023