Welcome to The Axtell Family Home

Austin Street Centre is an early morning activity. Oliver, who gets up at 4am (daily!) arrives at the church in time to load the vehicles and drive downtown. He and partner Steve Shedd make up the Tang team mixing gallons for breakfast, an activity he’s been doing for years.

Several husbands have been “drafted” to assist in readying Wesley Hall for the annual Bazaar. Oliver certainly has been among those faithful spouses who answered the call to serve.

Each Wednesday afternoon for several years, Oliver, ably assisted by wife Pat, has been a leader for the church’s scouting program.

The men’s choir sings one Sunday each month at the 8:30 service. Oliver’s deep bass voice and enthusiasm for the song always adds to the inspiration of this music ministry.

Many of our congregation know of Oliver’s work with Neighborhood Service Council. He and Pat are part of the after-school tutor program. Additionally, Oliver, has held several positions on the board of directors. He has passionately fought for adequate funding for this “home grown program.”

Nueva Vida is our Hispanic Congregation, led by Rev. Carlos Nascimento. Since day one, Oliver has been one of the faithful supporters of this ministry. He has carried the message to our congregation about the importance of this ministry. He also regularly leads a Bible study for Nueva Vida…in Spanish!

With his beautiful deep oratorical voice, Oliver has preached selected John Wesley sermons for Sunday school classes and other groups. Adding a wig and suitable attire, the audience is truly seeing the founder of our denomination in “real time.”

Order is something Oliver can relate to as a chemical engineer. He’s retired (mostly) from Celanese Corp., though he does edit a scientific newsletter.

It’s only an observation, but Oliver seems to be quite a “free spirit;” a delightful free spirit, but one who isn’t greatly influenced by others. Wife, Pat, his bride of 51 years, often just chuckles about her husband. They met in Corpus Christi, TX. Oliver knew her father in a professional organization and met Pat at a party. After living in New Jersey for several years, Celanese transferred them to Dallas. Family consists of son, Steve, (Janeen) in Kansas and daughter, Bonnie, (Ormond) in Indiana, and 6 grandkids. They found Spring Valley and joined the Seekers Sunday School Class. They have held many leadership positions throughout the years. Many years ago, Susan and Dan Kasten asked them to be honorary grandparents for their daughters in “bring your grandparents to elementary school day." Seems like a great choice!

Oliver is perhaps the best example of someone who has taken the position that it’s better to wear out, rather than to rust out. That chemical reaction isn’t one that chemist Oliver Axtell is likely to experience. Thank you, Oliver, for your leadership and dedication to mission!

O AX-TELL ME A STORY

From Spring Valley United Methodist Church's Behold Vol. 12, No. 29 July 17, 2006

Oliver is like the Energizer Bunny…he certainly just keeps going. He’s involved in so many volunteer activities at Spring Valley that’s it's hard to know where to start in penning a profile.