Oliver Pawlik, 86, died June 22, 2008 at the VA Medical Center in Washington, DC. A memorial service will be held Friday, June 27, 2008 at 11:00 AM at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Herndon, Virginia followed by a small gathering from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg, Virginia. His final internment will be in Phoenix, Arizona in the family plot.

Oliver was born May 30, 1922 to Frank and Louise Pawlik. He grew up in Wheaton, Illinios. He graduated from Wheaton High School and attended Moore Field with the "44-A Mustang" in Mission Texas and graduated. Oliver served as a Second Lieutenant and flew the P-47 thunderbolts. As a fighter pilot for the 27th Air Fighter group, he flew in the campaigns of "Rhineland, Central Europe and North Apennines" before being shot down. He earned many decorations and citations including the Purple Heart for his service during World War II. After the war and his honorable discharge Oliver married Herta Joner from Mannheim Germany and returned home to Chicago. There he opened and ran Pawlik's Furniture and Upholstery shop for many years. He was very active in the Chamber of Commerce, the American legion, the VFW, the Moose Lodge and the Knights of Columbus. His semi retirement sent him to Arizona where he could continue to enjoy the outdoors. Oliver was an avid fisherman and huntsman. He also loved to collect coins and plates and traveled with his wife all around the United States, Mexico and Canada. In their many travels they fell in love with Florida and moved once more to the Tampa region. Due to his failing health he moved with his wife to Virginia to be closer to family and medical care. At the Washington DC VA Medical Center Oliver was one of the selected soldiers to represent the World War II Veterans at the Memorial that Prince Charles attended and presented them with honor and gratitude lap blankets and shook all the soldiers hands while expressing his deep appreciation for their service

Oliver's death was preceded by his sister Rita and his daughter Victoria. He is survived by his sister Mildred Walworth of Wisconsin, his wife of 63 years Herta Maria Pawlik of Leesburg, Virginia and their four remaining children, Ted Pawlik of Phoenix and Anamarie Lerma of Chandler, Arizona, Richard Pawlik of Leesburg and Christine Cozza of Herndon, Virginia. He also leaves his 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association in his memory. Donations can be made on line americanheart.org, or
call 1-800-242-8721 or mail their donations to: American Heart Association 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Ellen, VA 23060.