John E. Olds

John Edmund Olds, 75, of Glasford, Illinois, passed away at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Farmington Village in Farmington, Illinois. Born to John and Erna (Fechter) Olds on July 28th, 1950 in Tucson, AZ.

John was preceded in death by; his parents and one sister, Elma Morales.

He is survived by a large family including his three children; Berthina "Teena" (Jason) McCreary, John "Boy" William (Brittany) Olds, Rebecca "Beckie" (Brandon) Schafer; six grandchildren Caleb (Jessica), Taylor (Taylor), Ella (Jon), Mason, Ruby, Ellis; one great granddaughter, Aurora, with one more great granddaughter expected; sisters Bernice Reyes, Erna Acosta, Georgia McCaslin, and Geraldine Fragoso; many nephews and nieces; and the mother of his children Suzanne "Sue" (Hoosier) Olds.

He graduated in 1968 from Pueblo High School in Tucson, AZ and joined the United States Marine Corps. While serving in the Marines he did one tour in Vietnam and he received the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 1960 and the Good Conduct Medal. He was Honorably discharged after his service and worked in the Anamax Copper mine from 1972 to 1982. After the mines closed John was hired at the Federal Corrections Institutions in Tucson, AZ as a Corrections Officer. In 1987, during his time as a correctional officer, he aided the Federal Prison System during the Cuban Mariel Siege by translating letters written by inmates in Spanish and acted as a translator for Spanish speaking individuals. He worked his way up to Unit Manager and retired in 2005 from FCI Pekin, Illinois after 23 years of service.

Family and friends remember John for his love of history; including US military, fossils, and coin collecting. John loved camping and fishing in the White Mountains of Arizona. John was an avid gardener and looked forward to starting a large vegetable garden every spring. During college sports season, John would always have a University of Arizona game on to cheer on his Wildcats. In his retirement, John would start his mornings with The Price is Right and a cup of coffee. From his kitchen, you would often find him watching the birds enjoying his garden and birdfeeders.

John will be deeply missed by his loved ones.

Cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Memorials may be made the Wounded Warrior Project. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com