Lyndell G. Oller

Lyndell "Lynn" Oller, age 90, of Springfield, MO was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on December 17, 2022.

He was born during the Depression in Gravelly, AR to Lester and Grace Oller.  Raised in humble beginnings, Lynn and his brother Harry were destined to be blacksmiths just as their father, grandfather and great-grandfather had been.  Lester moved the family to Tulsa, OK in order to provide a better life and more opportunities for their sons.

Lynn graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1950 and was a veteran who served in both the National Guard of Oklahoma and United States Air Force.  His and Connie's true love story of over 70 years began during this time.  He worked as a mechanic for American Airlines in Tulsa, OK and then began his career in the dairy business with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Milk Market Administrator.  In 1957 Lynn was transferred to New Orleans, LA.  His love of aviation became a reality and soon he owned his own airplane until starting a family.  Lynn and Connie's three (3) daughters Kim, Marjean and Mona were born during the 10 years they lived in New Orleans.

In 1967 the family moved to Morton, IL and in 1970 Lynn went to work for Producer's Dairy in Peoria, IL and later became the General Manager for Prairie Farms at that location.  He also volunteered his time as a Village Trustee for the City of Morton where he oversaw both the Fire and Police Departments.  In 1990 a dream career opportunity presented itself and he was named President and General Manager of Hiland Dairy in Springfield, MO.  From 1990 until his "retirement" in 2003, Hiland experienced tremendous growth in terms of doubling the number of manufacturing plants, distribution centers and sales.  Hiland's branded products began showing up on some of the national charts as one of the top selling dairy brands in the country.

In 1994 Ozark Empire Grocers Association named Lynn and Hiland as "Vendors of the Year" and in 1998 the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce recognized him and Hiland as "Manufacturer of the Year".  Lynn served on the Quality Chekd Dairy's Board of Directors from 1990 through 2003, the last two years of which he served as president of the organization.  In 2003 he received the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Dairy Leadership Award.

Lynn was a man of faith and was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Springfield.  His proudest accomplishment was his family.  He mentored many individuals throughout his lifetime and valued the deep relationships he shared with many people over the years.  His hobbies included golf, boating on the Lake of the Ozarks and fishing.  He was especially proud of all of the flowers in his yard.  Lynn also loved all things mechanical and was often instrumental in helping his family members find new vehicles.

He leaves to cherish his memory wife Connie, daughters Connie "Kim" Oller-Heston (Jim Heston) of Fort Wayne, IN, and Marjean Oller of Springfield; grandson Justin Miller of Springfield; son-in-law Jesse Brake of Willard and sister-in-law Kay Collins of Springfield.  Lynn is joined in heaven by his daughter Mona Oller Brake who has been taking care of his Golden Retrievers Putter and Fred.  He has also been reunited with his parents Lester and Grace Oller as well as his brother Harry.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday December, 22 2022 at Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home 1947 E Seminole, Springfield, MO 65804 with Dr John Marshall officiating. Final resting place will be in Floral Haven Cemetery, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Visitation held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday in the funeral home.

A special thank you to Dr. Patrick Dopp and Dr. Roger Holden for taking such good care of him and to the staff at the Manor of Elfindale.  Memorial donations can be made to:  St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 ( donors@stjude.org ); Second Baptist Church, 3111 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, MO 65804; or to the donors choice