It all began in Fort Smith, Arkansas, when Thelvin Edgar and Margaret [Givens] Oliver were blessed with a son on November 19, 1951. They named him Thelvin Burnell Oliver.

Burnell grew up in Van Buren, where he attended public school and graduated with his Class from Van Buren Senior High School.  During his formative years, Thelvin always exhibited kindness, often thinking and doing more for others than he did for himself. As a child, he liked sports and playing with cars and train sets.  His favorite football team is the Kansas City Chiefs.

Affectionately referred to as "Burnell," he served his country honorably in the United States  Marines and after his service, he went on to become the first African American police officer in Van Buren, Arkansas. Eventually from there, he became the first African American locomotive engineer during that era of time with the Union Pacific Railroad. He retired as a train engineer following 30 years of service in 2007.

Mr. Oliver enjoyed a relatively peaceful retirement in Oklahoma, while exploring hobbies like restoring old cars.  He was active in the recovery community, extending a helping hand to those that were rebuilding their lives. He was also a member of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge of Coffeyville, Kansas.

"Burnell"  immensely enjoyed an active social life, treasuring his many friendships and family connections, most of all his daughter, Sabrina, his grandsons, and his sister, Sharon. Also over the years seeing his cousins, Uncles, and Aunts which included his Aunt Sidney. Burnell's easygoing manner and loving heart was a gift to all who knew him and he will be dearly missed.

On Saturday, January 13, 2024, at approximately 6:38 PM, Thelvin Burnell Oliver, in his 72nd year, embarked upon his last train ride, "That Train bound for Glory" from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents and his brother, Tommy.

He leaves in God's care;  his daughter, Sabrina Oliver-Finch and husband Alfred; his grandsons, O'Shea and O'Maril Stevenson; his sister, Sharon Oliver-Brown;  his niece and nephew, Johari and Channe Brown;  Three loved ones he was a father figure to, Will, Jakob and shannon; and a host of cousins, uncles and aunts.

Service of Memory for Mr. Oliver will be on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 12:00 Noon in the Antioch Temple of Hope.  The Pastor, Reverend Dr. Marlon J. Coleman will officiate.

Burial will be on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Fort Smith National Cemetery, Fort Smith, Arkansas.

You may visit Mr. Oliver, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the funeral home in Muskogee on Sunday, between the hours of 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.