Kelsey Millen “Mill” Olver passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 12, 2024, in Williamsburg, Virginia, at the age of 93. He is survived by his three sons: James (and wife Judy), Jonathan (and wife Maureen), and Charles; four grandchildren: Adam Olver (and wife Brittany), Christian Olver (and wife Teresa), Daniel Olver, and Leah Kostyack Olver; and three great-grandchildren: Athalia and Ren Olver Kumayama, and Lincoln Olver. He is also survived by his sister, Roberta Olver Koch.
Mill was born on August 12, 1931, in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, to Kelsey Kinsman Olver and Laura Millen Olver. He graduated from Honesdale High School in 1949 and began his college studies at Colgate University before transferring to Syracuse University, where he earned a BA in History in 1953. Just six days after graduating, he married Beverly May Erk, his lifelong companion, whom he had known since infancy, when they were pushed in baby carriages by their mothers.
An Air Force ROTC graduate, Mill entered active duty with the U.S. Air Force in 1954, following a year teaching math at Lake-Noxen High School in Pennsylvania. During his time in the military, he earned an MA in History from the University of Vermont and an MS in Statistics/Operations Research from Stanford University. His distinguished career included roles such as a cost analyst in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and head of Cost Analysis on the Air Staff. Some of his favorite assignments included two years as Deputy Comptroller for NATO’s Army and Air Force headquarters in Izmir, Turkey, and eight years teaching mathematics at the Naval Academy Prep School, Air Force Academy Prep School, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
After retiring from the Air Force as a colonel in 1979, Mill joined the Institute of Defense Analysis (IDA) as a cost analyst, where he later became Deputy Director of its Cost Analysis Group. He transitioned to part-time work in 1987 and fully retired in 1997. During his time at IDA, Mill became involved with a newly-formed professional group, the Institute for Cost Analysis, where he served as its second president for two terms.
Mill was a longtime member of Grace Presbyterian Church of Springfield and participated in its Mission for Middle East Peace and Justice. He enjoyed spending time with his family, exploring the world through travel, reading non-fiction history and biographies, researching genealogy, and writing his personal memoirs titled “Recollections.” Despite his many accomplishments, he always cherished the quiet moments in life and remained deeply connected to his roots in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, where he spent as much time as possible and will be interred alongside his beloved wife.
Mill will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his family, and his enduring love for his birthplace in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. His life was marked by service, wisdom, curiosity, and an ever-optimistic spirit.