Selmer Bud Olson

Selmer Bud Olson, 89, widower of Darlene Marie Buskirk Olson, who was married for 70 wonderful years, passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Baptist Health Lexington, after a short illness. He was born in Cando, North Dakota, on March 18, 1934, to the late Melvin and Selma Olson. Selmer was a real cowboy and jockey who won for his brother in the 1949 Towner County Fair in North Dakota. He had been a thoroughbred trainer for over 40 years and won over 100 races. He retired from racing in 2014. Selmer and his family really enjoyed going to Hidden Valley in Clay City, Kentucky, where he rode Longhorns in competition. He was retired from Kentucky Utilities Company after 36 years of service and was a member of Bethel Christian Church. He is survived by two daughters, Patricia Lush (Tim) and Pam Mingua (Ron); a daughter-in-law, Debbie Olson, and a brother-in-law, Gene Buskirk; three grandchildren, Randi Kestel (Shawn), T.J. Lush, Holly Mackley, and four great-grandchildren, Jenna Conn, Ali Kestel and Cannon and Aria Mackley. He was preceded in death by his son, Randy Olson, and six siblings, Elmer, Melvin, Sylvia, Norma, Donna, Joyce, and Linda. Service will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, February 9, 2024, at Betts & West Funeral Home, with Bro. Bill Bales officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 5:00-8:00 PM Thursday, February 8, 2024. Interment will follow in Bluegrass Memorial Gardens. Bearers will be T.J. Lush, Shawn Kestel, Ron Mingua, Tim Lush, Cannon Mackley, and Darrin Buskirk. Betts & West Funeral Home is honored to serve the Olson family in their time of need. An online guestbook is available at www.BettsandWestFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions are suggested to Bethel Christian Church.