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On the afternoon of Saturday, September 26, 2019, Polito "Paul" Manuel Olivas ascended to the open arms of our Almighty Lord and to be with his devoted wife of 56 years, Magdalena, who preceded him 18 months earlier. Born on August 22, 1920, in El Sapello, New Mexico, he was the eldest of six brothers born to Edwardo Olivas and Genevieve Vigil. From his humble origins, Paul began his lifetime of service in the Civilian Conservation Corps and later enlisted in the Colorado National Guard, serving with the 45th Infantry Division. At the outbreak of World War II, he transitioned to the regular army and upon graduation from jump school, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper. During the Korean War, Paul served with the 187th Regimental Combat Team and then the 11th Airborne Division. In 1960, he was assigned to the Military Advisory Group in the Philippines. In 1962, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and then joined Special Forces when they first organized. Paul served for eight months with the Special Forces 16th Detachment and then was reassigned to the Regimental Combat Team. During the Vietnam Conflict, Paul reported to the Military Advisory Group as a Junior Aid to General Westmoreland. In 1968, he received orders to come back to Hawaii. In December 1970, he retired with 30 years, three months and nine days of service. In total, Paul made over 300 jumps and earned Master Parachutist Wings. He was highly decorated, including the award of the Bronze Star. In his post-military career, Paul worked in food industry in sales and management capacities, culminating as the department head, Food Services Branch, at Pohai Nani Retirement Community, being lauded by management and residents alike. Paul was one of the founding members of the Aloha Mustang and Shelby Club and served as a Deacon at the Mililani Baptist Church for over 15 years. He was a devoted husband, father and mentor. He is survived by his sons, Edward and Gary Lee Olivas, his step-son, Juanito Juaton, two grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. He profoundly touched all blessed to know him by his countless acts of kindness and generosity. He has departed this earth, leaving a legacy of love behind. Services for Paul Olivas will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the Mililani Baptist Church. Casual attire is encouraged and lunch will be served immediately following.
On the afternoon of Saturday, September 26, 2019, Polito "Paul" Manuel Olivas ascended to the open arms of our Almighty Lord and to be with his devoted wife of 56 years, Magdalena, who preceded him 18 months earlier. Born on August 22, 1920, in El Sapello, New Mexico, he was the eldest of six brothers born to Edwardo Olivas and Genevieve Vigil. From his humble origins, Paul began his lifetime of service in the Civilian Conservation Corps and later enlisted in the Colorado National Guard, serving with the 45th Infantry Division. At the outbreak of World War II, he transitioned to the regular army and upon graduation from jump school, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper. During the Korean War, Paul served with the 187th Regimental Combat Team and then the 11th Airborne Division. In 1960, he was assigned to the Military Advisory Group in the Philippines. In 1962, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and then joined Special Forces when they first organized. Paul served for eight months with the Special Forces 16th Detachment and then was reassigned to the Regimental Combat Team. During the Vietnam Conflict, Paul reported to the Military Advisory Group as a Junior Aid to General Westmoreland. In 1968, he received orders to come back to Hawaii. In December 1970, he retired with 30 years, three months and nine days of service. In total, Paul made over 300 jumps and earned Master Parachutist Wings. He was highly decorated, including the award of the Bronze Star. In his post-military career, Paul worked in food industry in sales and management capacities, culminating as the department head, Food Services Branch, at Pohai Nani Retirement Community, being lauded by management and residents alike. Paul was one of the founding members of the Aloha Mustang and Shelby Club and served as a Deacon at the Mililani Baptist Church for over 15 years. He was a devoted husband, father and mentor. He is survived by his sons, Edward and Gary Lee Olivas, his step-son, Juanito Juaton, two grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. He profoundly touched all blessed to know him by his countless acts of kindness and generosity. He has departed this earth, leaving a legacy of love behind. Services for Paul Olivas will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the Mililani Baptist Church. Casual attire is encouraged and lunch will be served immediately following.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
