Chad Lawrence Olinger

Chad Lawrence Olinger, 62, of Emporia, passed away early Monday, July 22, 2019 at Midland Care in Topeka.

He was born August 17, 1956 in Hugoton, Kansas the son of Don and Nancy Slemp Olinger. Chad attended Hugoton High School where he graduated with the Class of 1974. Following high school he attended Automotive Technical Training in Wichita, receiving his degree in 1976.

Chad would embark on a life long journey pursuing his passion of being an auto mechanic. He gained experience while working at the local Chevrolet dealer in Hugoton and would later step out on his own as the owner and operator of CLO Auto Repair. He eventually took a position at John North Ford in Emporia. Chad would work his way up to a Ford Senior Master Technician over his 28 years of service.
Chad’s love for all things motor sports was expressed through his participation in the National Dragster Association and the American Motorcycle Association.

Chad will live on in the hearts of his son, Shane Olinger and his wife Cassi of Emporia; his grandchildren, Alexia Johnson, Braydon Olinger, Nicholas Olinger and Cayden Olinger; a sister, Dawnel Newton of Rolla, Kansas and an aunt, Judy Cantrell of Moscow, Kansas. Chad was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Jeff Newton.

Chad’s wishes were to be cremated and for his family and friends to gather at a later date to celebrate his life and remember happier times. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and sent in care of Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home at P.O. Box 43 in Lebo, KS 66856. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalfs.com.