Andy CloseGRAVETTE – Edgar Oliphant Jr., 91, of Gravette, Ark., formerly of Russell, Pa., passed away Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021.
He was born in Richmond, Mo., on March 15, 1930, the second son of Edgar and Alberta Sperbeck Oliphant.
Edgar went to school in Richmond and after high school went to the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (now Science and Technology). He graduated in 1952 with honors and a Bachelors of Science degree in chemical engineering. He was a member of Sigma Nu and in his senior year, he was president of honorary engineering fraternity Tau Beta Pi.
Edgar worked at Standard Oil of Indiana (now Amoco) in technical services for eight years and served in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. He joined J.F. Pritchard in 1960 in Kansas City. During his 18 years at Pritchard, he was involved in engineering and construction projects in many countries. He was promoted to president and CEO and led Pritchard in that role for several years. Following three years at Foley Engineering and Construction, Ed and his wife, Nancy relocated to Russell Pa., where he en-joyed developing Pine Grove Acres, a residential property of 25 homes.
In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Nancy Jones Oliphant, who died on April 19, 2021, whom he married in Sheffield, Pa.; his only brother, John Daniel (J.D.) Oliphant.
He is survived by sons: Craig and Jay (Linda) of Gravette; and daughters, Lisa Oliphant of Deerfield Beach, Fla., and Andrea (Mark) Evans of Olathe Kan.;; seven grandchildren; Amanda (Jondell) Shives, Thomas (Dana) Oliphant, Jeremy (Jen) Greer, Alexander (Samantha) Oliphant, Jack Oliphant, Melody Oliphant and Danielle Greer. Extended family includes Nancy’s two sisters: Bev Hoden and Bonnie Wolfe and many nieces and nephews, and three children of his brother J.D.: Danny, Diana and Marilynn.
Online condolences can be made at www.funeral mation.com.
