Melvin Edward Olney, Jr. “JR”, 68, of Toppenish, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Toppenish Nursing & Rehab Center.
JR was born May 6, 1940 in Forks, Washington to Melvin Edward Olney, Sr. and Dorothy Juanita Bennett. 
JR was a very adventurous person.  He entered the U.S. Navy in San Diego, CA, and served until being honorably discharged in 1961.  JR was a laborer, and worked a variety of jobs.  Prior to his illness, JR worked from 1998 to 2008, as a dealer at Legends Casino.
JR is survived by his brothers, Marvin “Tony” Olney of Aberdeen and Michael Olney of Texas; sisters, Alice L. Olney of Wapato, and Melvina E. Betchard of Granger; cousins, Marvina “Sonny” Olney of Toppenish, Regina Olney Garcia of Wapato, and Leah Olney Rodriguez of Yakima; and numerous nieces and nephews. 
He was preceded in death by his brothers Marlowe Olney and Cornelius Olney, and his sister Margaret “Tangee” Olney Hyde.
Viewing was Thursday May 7, 2009 at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato, followed by burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in White Swan.