Elton James Olivier

Elton James Olivier, 84, of Lake Charles passed away peacefully in his residence on Saturday August 19, 2023. Elton was born the 6th of eight children in Schriever, LA on Sept 18, 1938 to Sylviere Olivier and Katie Roddy Olivier. He was a 1956 graduate of Terrebonne High School.

Elton enlisted in the Air Force after attending Nichols State University briefly. He served in the Air Force for eight years, including being stationed in Japan. He returned stateside in 1965. He began working at Hesselgrave Seaplane Base in Houma, LA where he received his pilot’s training. It was a position with Seacoast Aviation that brought him and his family to Lake Charles, LA in 1975 where he loved working as a fish spotter, flying over the gulf waters to guide fishing boats to their catch. Unfortunately, a medical condition ended his flying career abruptly. To provide for his family, Elton began working at Citgo Refinery, eventually becoming an operator in the A/B Toppers unit. He retired as a senior console operator from Citgo in 2001.

Elton’s interests were wide and varied. He was a very skilled bowler, having taught bowling classes while in the Air Force, and later taught himself to play golf. He had a deep appreciation for music throughout his life. While he played viola in the school orchestra, his musical tastes were wide ranging. Most recently, he had an evening tradition of sipping a cold brew in his son’s shop while enjoying the sounds of B.B. King’s “There Must Be A Better World Somewhere.” He always had music playing in the house and outdoors, and only on the best sound systems. He took great pride in a meticulous yard that was as beautiful as it was maintained. He deeply appreciated nature and enjoyed traveling to places that were stunning, where he skillfully captured the views with his camera. He and JoAnn enjoyed traveling, often choosing to drive to their destinations. His love of flying never ended, and later in his life he was able to return to the skies in an engineless glider while on several vacations. 

While many observed that Elton was a man of few words, those closest knew that his silence typically preceded a well-crafted wisecrack. He rarely missed an opportunity to get the smart laugh. Even when his speech was affected later in life, he was able to emote his wit clearly and sharply.  

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 53 years JoAnn Alleman Olivier; daughter Michelle Olivier Jordan (Brian); son Jeff Olivier; grandson Bronson Jordan; siblings Pearl Wilcox (Don) of Shreveport, LA; Beverly Tucker (Robert) of Gray, LA; Eugene Olivier (Madeliene) of Cocoa Beach, FL; Eric Olivier (Karen) of Schriever, LA; sister-in-law, Alice Olivier of Baton Rouge, LA; and a large and very loving extended family of brother and sister in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marion Olivier; brother, Earl Olivier; and sister, Lorraine Olivier Richard.

His family wishes to thank his caregiver Brenda Fontenot and his many nurses, especially Miss Kerri, for the support and loving kindness they provided in his last years. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles.

A memorial service and Catholic liturgy will be held at 11:00am Saturday, August 26th at Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 9:00am. A cremation burial with military honors will follow the memorial service at Consolata Cemetery.

The family is grateful if memorial donations are given to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the American Heart Association.