Olen Henry Nations

Olen Henry Nations 

A Grants Pass resident since 1956, Olen Henry Nations, 97, passed away July 14, 2022, in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

Olen was born January 30, 1925, in Thrift, Texas, to Henry and Emley Nations. As a child, he moved with his family following the harvest trail. He called himself a "harvest engineer". Most of his childhood memories were growing up in the Phoenix, Arizona area. He served in the Army as a Technician 4th grade, in Guadalcanal. He graduated from High school at Auburn Adventist Academy in Washington and went on to Walla Walla College where he graduated with a degree in Theology. 

He married Mary Spenst, August 31,1952, and raised two children, Sandy and Randy. He and his wife, moved to Grants Pass from Spangle, Washington, after teaching grade school for 3 years. He became a land developer, building subdivisions. He and his wife, built and operated the four local nursing homes. Laurel Hill Nursing Center (1960), Mariola Nursing Home (1965)( Now Regency), Royale Gardens Health & Rehabilitation Center (1974) and Highland House Nursing & Rehabilitation Center(1980). 

He was proud to be involved with the ultimate success of the Community Bank of Grants Pass by serving as a founding board member and stockholder. He was very involved in the Grant Pass SDA Church, serving on several positions within the church, throughout his life. He enjoyed cruises with his wife and fellow church friends. The South Pacific being his favorite. He was a "music enthusiast", playing several musical instruments and singing. Family was always important to him. 

He was survived by his wife, Mary: sisters, Millie Shawn, Martha Ewert: brothers, Stan Nations, Jim Nations, Bob Nations, Thomas Wayne Nations, Mike Nations: son, Randy Nations (Elise), daughter, Sandy Puntney (Dorian): grandchildren, Heidi Konopa (Dewey), Heather DeForrest(Neil), Carter Klassen: 4 great grandchildren, Tristan, Ashley, Andrew, and Maizy. 

His hope: to meet His Lord and be surrounded by family and friends at the Second Coming. 

A memorial service will be held at The Grants Pass Seventh-day Adventist Church on August 28th at 1:00 pm. He will be laid to rest at the Hillcrest Memorial Park in a private interment. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Better Life Broadcasting in Grants Pass.