Rayne - Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. for Hilary Anthony Olinger, Sr., 76, who died Sunday, December 19, 2010 at Lafayette General Medical Center Hospital in Lafayette, LA.

 

Interment will be in the St. Leo Cemetery, Roberts Cove, LA.

 

Surviving are his wife, Melba Roy Olinger of Rayne, one daughter, Rhonda Olinger Broussard and husband Tom of Rayne, one son, Hilary "Tony" Olinger, Jr. and wife Verna Begnaud of Rayne, five grandchildren, Scott Broussard and wife Katie Anzalone of Lafayette, Kelli Broussard Moody and husband Luke Moody of Rayne, Lauren Broussard of Rayne, Nolan Olinger of Rayne, Mackenzie Olinger of Rayne, one great grandchild, Chloe Broussard of Lafayette, three sisters, Beatrice Olinger Leonards of Eunice, Rose Marie Olinger John of Crowley, Mary Jo Olinger of Rayne, one brother, Ray Olinger and wife Johnnie Prather of Rayne, sister-in-law, Margaret Leonards Olinger.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Olinger and Josephine Dischler Olinger, one sister, Irene Olinger Petitjean and husband Ashton, one brother, Ambrose Olinger, two brothers-in-law, Auggie Leonards and John N. John III.

 

He was born Tuesday, February 20, 1934 in Rayne, LA, and was a graduate of St. Joseph's High School. Mr. Olinger was a veteran serving in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

 

Mr. Olinger was a member of the Rayne Lions Club and was awarded lifetime membership, Lion of the Year in 1973 and held position as President and District Governor, Knights of Columbus  4th degree Knight, Grand Knight and Knight of the year in 1975, Usher for St. Joseph Church, American Legion Post 77, Rayne Chamber of Commerce on the original board of directors, Rayne Recreation Board for 15 years, Rayne Recreation coach for over 20 years, Notre Dame School Board and served as president, Rayne Reserve Police Officer as a Sergeant serving on the board of directors as treasurer, Rayne Centennial Celebration Chairman in 1983 and 2006 Rayne Frog Festival Parade Grand Marshal.

 

He was a successful businessman for over 50 years in Rayne as Owner/Operator of Olinger Television & Radio repair then as a Radio Shack Franchise dealer.

 

A rosary will be recited Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at Gossen Funeral Home.

 

Friends will be received at Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., Rayne, LA. Tuesday, December 21, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Wednesday, December 22, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m..

 

Contributions may be made in Lieu of flowers to Rayne Catholic Elementary School, 407 S. Polk St., Rayne, LA 70578.

 

Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.

 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, LA, (337) 334-3141.