Larry A Olson

Larry Allen Olson, 67, of Manhattan, died Thursday, April 9th, at Mercy Regional Health Center. He was the Head Women’s Basketball Coach making several national appearances and was honored twice as the Coach of the Year, Associate Athletic Director, Men's Dorm Supervisor and both the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coach at Manhattan Christian College. Larry recruited quality athletes with exceptional character and built his programs around the ABC’s – Academics, Basketball & Christian Character. In the past 7 years at Manhattan Christian College, he was named ‘Coach of the Year’ 2 times in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). Born in Eureka KS, on April 1, 1948, the son of the late Alvin and Velma (Runyon) Olson, he attended school in Eureka and graduated from Berean Academy, Elbing, KS; received a Bachelors Degree in Theology from Trinity Bible College in New Port Richey, FL and a Masters degree in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, Alabama. Coach Olson also was a licensed stockbroker for A.G. Edwards in Florida, and held a Florida real estate license. Larry became an ordained minister in the Evangelical Free Denomination in 1972. Larry was the Men’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director at Vennard College in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Larry Allen Olson and Beverly G. Brower were united in marriage on Dec. 16, 1971 in Bradenton, FL, where they were attending classes at Trinity Bible College. Larry and Beverly attend the Westview Community Church in Manhattan for many years. Survivors include his wife Beverly of the Home; a son, Daniel Olson, of Greensboro, North Carolina and a grandson: Connor Olson of North Carolina A celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 13th, at 7:00pm at Manhattan Christian College Chapel located in Joliffe Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Shepherd's Crossing, PO Box 1919 Manhattan, KS 66505 or to the Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home and Cremation at 1317 W. Poyntz Ave, Manhattan. To send an email of condolence to the family, for more information, or send a gift, visit the funeral home website at irvinparkview.com. Arrangements are being made by Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home and Cremation, Manhattan, KS.