Howard Oliver, Jr.

Mr. Howard S. Oliver, Jr. was born January 1, 1929 in East Saint Louis, Illinois to Howard and Ella Oliver and was called home to be with the Lord on January 8, 2022. He grew up in East Saint Louis, Illinois, where he graduated from Lincoln High School and continued his education at Howard University in Washington, D.C. where he studied Pharmacy.

Howard was united in holy matrimony to his childhood sweetheart, Elsie Dee Rogers on February 2, 1953. To this union, two daughters were born, Deborah Ann and Wyleah Diane.

Mr. Oliver was a veteran of the United States Army where he served from 1954-1956. He received the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) and a Good Conduct Medal.

Howard and Elsie lived in Indianapolis, Indiana for a short while, but settled in Gary, Indiana, where he became co-owner and pharmacist of a drugstore, Progress Pharmacy. He continued his career as a pharmacist until he retired from Walgreens Pharmacy. Later, he and Elsie moved to Cedar Hill to be closer to family.

Howard (affectionately called “Doctor” Oliver) was a born again Christian and a member of Calvary Institutional Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana where he was a member of the Trustee Board, Male Chorus, and the Sound and Support Team. He was also an active member of the Sunday School.

During his lifetime, he enjoyed helping his church and others, along with bowling, photography, computers and technology, cooking, grilling, and challenging games and puzzles.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Oliver, Sr. and Ella Oliver (Fletcher); his brothers, Alfonso and Marion Oliver; his mother-in-law, Charlie Ann Washington; brothers and sisters-in-law, Lucious and Elizabeth Rogers and Russell B. Rogers and Johnnie B. Evans; sons-in-law, Eric Colen, Sr. and Charles E. Hudson.

Survivors include his loving wife, Elsie D. Oliver; daughters, Deborah Ann Colen and Wyleah Diane Hudson; his brother, Vernon Oliver (Eula); his grandchildren, Christopher Sammons (Febrina), Dessalyn Sammons, Erica Colen, and Eric Colen, Jr.; great grandchildren, Elijah Sammons and London Sammons; a special cousin, Mrs. Vernon Oliver Price. Others who will fondly remember Howard include his dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of other loving family members and friends.

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