Kenneth R. “Buddy” Olden

Kenneth R. Olden, also known as Buddy, was born to the late Cleveland and Nicey (Stroud) Olden on October 16, 1939. Buddy was the fourth child of eight children born to this union.

Kenneth (Buddy) was baptized at an early age, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by the late Rev. G Calvin McCutchen. He attended Booker T Washington Elementary School and Booker T Washington High School in Tulsa Oklahoma. Buddy graduated with the class of 1957. He was so very proud to be a part of that class from Booker Washington that he shared and recognized it everywhere he went.

After graduating Buddy work at a Sinclair service station as a mechanic in Tulsa. Buddy met and married Willie Mae and to this union two children were born, Kenneth R. Olden Jr. and Meridith Jane Olden. After working at Sinclair for several years as a mechanic Buddy started working a new job, working for the City of Tulsa, street department division. Buddy and Willie Mae later divorce but they both stayed connected with one another due to their children.

Buddy moved from Tulsa to California in 1969. Kenneth (Buddy) started working at Contra Costa County, in Martinez California. There Buddy met and married Christine Reed. Buddy became the step-father of three girls and two boys, Arcola, Rebecca, Delores, David, and Cliff, now deceased. Buddy was employed with the county for over 25 years until he retired.

After retirement, Buddy spent a lot of time traveling. He loved taking trips to Reno, Nevada. Buddy also spent his time helping others and donating to different charities. Buddy transported people to their medical appointments and other different appointments. For this type of work Buddy received all types of rewards from his community, and he’s still receiving them at this moment.

The only thing we can say about Kenneth R. Olden, known as (Buddy), I John 2:15,17 “only what you do for Christ will last”, and that’s what he liked to do, help others.

Kenneth R. Olden attended church in Richmond, California at North Richmond Baptist Church where he was a faithful member, sitting under the pastoral leadership of Dana Keith Mitchell.

Buddy’s labors on earth ended on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez, California at 11:45 pm.

Buddy is proceeded in death by his parents, Cleveland and Nicey Olden; daughter Meridith Jane Olden; brothers Charles Olden and J.D Olden; sisters Arnetta Olden, Delois Presley, and Rosie Lee (Peaches) Jones.

Buddy is survived by sisters Cleva Mae Erby and Charlesetta (Red) Woods; son Kenneth R. Olden Jr.; and grandkids Tashara Everett, Kenneth Olden, Kevin Olden, Traveon Olden, Travon Olden, Christian Devereaux, and Devondro Brown.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, April 23, at Shiloh Baptist E.T.C.O.G.I.C. in Holdenville with Overseer John T. Berry officiating.

Services are under the direction of Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home, Holdenville, Oklahoma.