Richard James Olney, 77 of Mt. Vernon, died Monday, September 18, 2017 at Meth-Wick Community, surrounded by his family and close friends Bob and Judy Tosh – who introduced Richard and Irene over 48 years ago.  Celebration of life gathering will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, September 24, 2017 at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW. A private family inurnment will be held in Campbell Cemetery, Bertram, where he will be laid to rest next to his son.

Richard was born August 3, 1940 in Cedar Rapids, the son of James O. and Mae S. (Longueville) Olney.  He graduated from Cedar Rapids Washington High School in 1958.  He attended the University of Iowa and Coe College, before working as a telephone technician for over 43 years. Richard served in the United States National Guard. He was united in marriage to Irene Lebeda on October 19, 1968 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids.  Richard enjoyed building and flying RC model airplanes with his son.  Following retirement, he became involved with HAM radios and the weekly coffee sessions.

Richard is survived by his wife Irene, daughter Annette (Mitch) Sherman of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren Alexander, Abigail and Ayden Stegen, Gabriel and Lola Sherman; and a brother-in-law Francis (Judy) Lebeda of Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son James R. Olney, M.D.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to either the Alzheimer's Association in his name or to the charity of choice.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to The Arbors and Woodlands during his journey with Alzheimer's.