Joseph Russell Oliver Jr.

Joseph Russell Oliver, Jr. died Dec. 3, 2022 in Denver, CO due to complications following a heart procedure. 

Joe was born October 4, 1941 to Joseph Russell Oliver and Catherine Newby Oliver in Charleston, West Virginia. He is survived by his sister, Mary K. Spangler (Richard Spangler) from Loveland, CO and their sons, Kenneth and David Spangler.  

Joe’s family moved to Denver when he was in the 9th grade. After graduating from South High School, Joe attended the University of Colorado-Boulder where he earned a degree in Mathematics. Further studies were interrupted after meeting Patricia Castings. They were married Jan 29, 1965 and he began his job search.  

He accepted a position with the Department of the Navy in Norco, California in July, 1965. Five years later the Norco Lab was transferred to The Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, CA. Moving to the small town (Ridgecrest) in the high desert was to be a temporary move that turned out to be 35 years in this community of scientists and engineers, working to protect our country. 

Joe had a distinguished career and was a recognized leader heading up various missile program offices such as Phoenix, Tomahawk, and the Sidewinder Program Office. He was also the Head Manager for various product and production disciplines in the Engineering Department. Joe recognized and promoted work talents and capabilities in people and was an active mentor to many who are now leaders in the Department of Defense.  

Joe’s greatest calling was loving and caring for his wife of 57 years, Pat, and their children, Kimberly Lynn Oliver (Charles Creusere), Scott Russell Oliver, and Michael David Oliver.  

His legacy will live on in his 3 granddaughters, Mackenzie Oliver, Olivia Oliver, Kate Creusere, and his grandson, Cade Oliver. Through his example, Joe taught his grandchildren to look long and hard at all the possibilities, pursue excellence, ask questions, and do all of these with kindness. Oh, and don’t forget to play on your way. 

Joe loved to play. His first passion was golf. Being small in stature Joe knew he was never going to make the Bronco Team which he tried to be a virtual coach of for 30 years. His next love was running. Marathons and 50 K’s and long desert trail runs provided hours of joy and meditation. Biking was also a favorite. When Joe retired in 2000 and started spending summers in Frisco, CO, he answered the call of 14,000 foot mountains. Most meaningful in all of Joe’s play was his association with the people who shared in these activities. 

Moving to Littleton, CO in 2016 allowed Joe and Pat more time with family. While they missed their friends in Ridgecrest, they were welcomed into the Plateau Park Community and the Columbine United Church Community.  

Family, friends, and mentees mourn the loss of Joe. He leaves a piece of himself in each of us. Hopefully when he arrived at his next stop he was greeted by his four-legged companion, Torrey. 

Donations may be made in Joe’s memory to a charity of your choice or www.HEALTHEDCONNECT.org. 

A Celebrations of Life will be held April 16, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Columbine United Church in Littleton, CO. All are welcome. 

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