Shannon Dan Olinger

February 1, 1942 - February 8, 2021

Shannon Dan Olinger, 79, passed away in Visalia on February 8, 2021. Born on February 1, 1942 in Fresno, he was raised there and met his life long sweetheart Charlotte (Gentry). They began dating in 1957, were married in 1961 and bought their first business together, Mr. Frosty in Fresno. In 1969, the two moved to Visalia and purchased Foster's Freeze on Mooney Blvd. They owned and operated the business for 16 years. Thereafter he became an Insurance salesman for Farmers and worked side by side with Charlotte, frequently qualifying for the prestigious Toppers Club. In 1995, he and Charlotte joined forces with Bob Pollock of Visalia, expanding brother and sister in-law Ron and Carolyn Campbell's courier business Peninsula Messenger Service to the Central Valley. He continued as an owner until his passing and Charlotte remains part owner in the business. For over 25 years he was a member of the Visalia United Methodist Church where he served on the Administrative Counsel and shared his testimony to visitors through Evangelism Explosion, led by pastor Harry Wood. Most recently he served on the Board of Trustees at the Rocky Hill Community Church in Exeter. Throughout his life he enjoyed fishing, traveling, cooking, collecting, worship and fellowship in the church, telling jokes and stories, and entertaining friends and family. He was predeceased by his parents Shannon and Violet Olinger. Married for 59 years, he is survived by his wife Charlotte Olinger, and sons Shannon Olinger and Derek Olinger and daughter in-law Kristen Olinger. He is also survived by his grandchildren Gavin Olinger and Violette Olinger, and his sister Betty Seeley. Furthermore, he is survived by sister in-laws Jean Prater, Carolyn Cambell and Beverly Gentry and brother in-laws Ray Gentry and Ron Campbell and many nieces and nephews.