Oliver McFarland, Sr.

He was devoted to family, love of the church and love of life. His strength throughout his illness was an inspiration to many. Oliver McFarland at age 83, of Cincinnati, Ohio, died at Glendale Place Nursing & Rehab Center of natural causes on February 25, 2025.

He was born in Richland Parish in 1941 to Leon and Armie Lee McFarland who he remembered for their guidance and dedication to the church. Oliver excelled in grade school, advanced grades and became a classmate with older siblings Thelma and Leon Jr. He graduated alongside his older siblings from Alto High School before pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While at Southern University, Oliver joined the Army ROTC. He completed his Military obligations at Redstone Arsenal and NASA Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. After completing his military duties, Oliver accepted a job at General Electric Aerospace in Cincinnati, Ohio where he had a successful career and developed skills that benefited him later in life.

Oliver met Bobbie Jean Jackson while attending Southern University. They shared numerous commonalities, fell in love and began planning their future together. The couple was married on June 22, 1964 in Colfax, Louisiana.

Oliver and Bobbie were blessed with two (2) children, Oliver Jr. and Shonda, and nothing was more important to them.

Oliver was an active member of First Baptist Church of Mt. Healthy devoting his time an energy as a Sunday school teacher until his health deteriorated.

Oliver was preceded in death by Leon and Armie Lee McFarland (Parents), Bobbie McFarland (Wife), Oliver McFarland Jr. (Son), LC McFarland (Brother), Karey McFarland (Brother), Thelma Richmond (Sister), and Leon McFarland Jr. (Brother). He is survived by Shonda McFarland (Daughter), Melvin Simmons (Brother), Mildred Winston (Sister), Lucille Bailey (Sister), Kalean Bowie (Sister), Eddie McFarland (Brother), Gloria Robinson (Sister), Freddie McFarland (Brother), Lavelle McFarland (Brother), Roosevelt McFarland (Brother) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Mt. Healthy (1210 Compton Rd.) on Monday, March 10, 2025 from 12 pm until time of Funeral Service at 1 pm. 

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