Gene "Skeeter" Olmstead, 58, of El Dorado, AR, died Tuesday, June 20, 2006 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Mr. Olmstead was born and raised in Norton, KS, and later served his country in the United States Army. Upon his return from duty, he settled in Memphis, TN, where he met and married the love of his life, Carol Ann Fulton on September 27, 1969. Gene pursued a career in the automotive industry, which eventually brought his family to El Dorado in 1984. In that time, he established close ties in the community and long-lasting friendships through his successful businesses.

He will be remembered by his family for his love of animals, courage, compassion, creativity and his sense of humor. He saw the best in people and was the first to lend a helping hand to those in need. Mr. Olmsted is survived by his wife, Carol Olmstead; his daughters, Holly Olmstead Thomas and Heather Olmstead McLelland; and six grandchildren.

Visitation was held at the residence and a memorial service was held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church on Saturday, June 24, 2006. The family requested that memorials be made in lieu of flowers to the Union County Animal Protection Society (UCAPS) in El Dorado (870-862-0502) or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN (1-800-873-6983).