Francis Thomas Olmstead, 83, of Roanoke Rapids died Monday, January 25, 2010 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Olmstead was a native of Halifax County, the son of the late John W. Olmstead and Maude Olmstead.

Mr. Olmstead graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School, class of 1944. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy, serving his country during WWII. He was an active member of Roanoke Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids and was an avid fisherman and card player.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Helen Pace Olmstead; his daughter, Robin O. Wilhoit, and her husband, Gordon, of Mt. Pleasant, SC; two sons, Craig Olmstead and his wife, Cindy, of Denver, CO and Ronnie White and his wife, Faye, of Roanoke Rapids; and three grandchildren, Tyler, Cameron and Hunter Wilhoit.

Askew Funeral & Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids is handling the arrangements, where the family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 27, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Funeral services with military honors will be held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Rick Rogers officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids.

Memorial donations may be made to:
American Heart Association, 3015 S. Memorial Dr., Greenville, NC 27834 or
Roanoke Baptist Church, PO Box 356, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 or
Baptist Children's Homes, PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338.

The flag in front of the funeral home flies at half-staff in honor of Mr. Olmstead’s service to his country.