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Robert Mongo Olona Obituary
Description: Robert "Mongo" Olona Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To His Loved Ones...
Robert “Mongo” Olona
July 21, 1968 - Dec. 17, 2025
Obituary
Robert “Mongo” Olona, 57, passed away on December 17, 2025, in Amarillo, Texas. Born on July 21, 1968, in El Paso, Texas, Robert lived a life marked by adventure, creativity, and deep devotion to his family.
A proud graduate of Rocky Ford High School in 1987, Robert went on to attend Colorado Northwestern College. During his school years, he was a dedicated wrestler—a passion that later evolved into a love for jujitsu. His athleticism and competitive spirit were lifelong traits that carried through many of his pursuits.
Robert was a man who embraced life with open arms and an open heart. For over 28 years, he shared a loving marriage with his wife, Tricia Olona (Mueller). Together, they built a vibrant family that brought him immense pride and joy. He was the devoted father of Chynna Olona, Nikita (Brian) Driscoll, Chelsea (Richard) Pegg, Kassandra Haarmann, and Erin Haarmann. As “Poppy,” he cherished his role as grandfather to Elliott Olona, Arwen Driscoll, Marin Pegg, Cadence, Corbyn, Casen Branum, and Aliyah Haarmann.
Beyond his biological relatives, Robert built a vast and vibrant family of the heart. He believed that kinship was defined not only by shared DNA but by shared moments, unwavering loyalty, and unconditional love. His life was profoundly enriched by a tight-knit circle of lifelong friends and chosen family members who stood by him through every season of life.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bernabel and Caroline Olona; uncle Lee Olona; aunts Mary Olona and Delia Olona; uncle and aunt Ralph and Jenny (Olona) Bustamante; uncle and aunt Lupe and Carmen (Olona) Chavez; cousins Johnny Olona, Lee Olona, Anita Stelter, George Chavez, and “brother” Chance Geiger.
Robert’s professional journey was as diverse as his interests. He worked at Boys Ranch in Colorado, where he made a lasting impact on many young lives. He also served as a bounty hunter, worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), and finished his career as a security guard. These roles reflected both his courage and commitment to justice.
A true adventurer at heart, Robert found joy wherever there was water—surfing waves, swimming with sea turtles, kayaking through rivers, and snorkeling in tropical waters. Whether jet skiing or rafting down rapids, he came alive when he was in or on the water. For example, fishing often turned into diving straight into the water to retrieve stuck fishing lures. Camping trips were also frequent highlights for him.
His culinary skills were legendary among those who knew him. Known for smoking meat on the BBQ with unmatched flair, Robert’s scratch made spaghetti and brisket earned fame across three states. He was not afraid to drive for several hours to get his favorite meal from In-n-Out.
Robert had an artistic soul that expressed itself through painting, sketching, and pottery-making. Art was more than a hobby for him; it was a way to communicate what words could not always capture.
He had an unmistakable presence at the poker table—smooth under pressure with comebacks that ranged from slow-burning wit to lightning-fast retorts. As a football fan he was a Raider for life but also enjoyed the Dallas Cowboys. His baseball team favorites were the Texas Rangers and Oakland A’s. He even enjoyed collecting baseball cards.
Robert followed sports with enthusiasm matched only by his love for travel. He visited many bucket list destinations throughout his life—each trip adding another chapter to his story of exploration.
Those who knew Robert will remember him as someone who would haggle a deal, never wanting to pay full price. He was always up for an adventure—whether it meant hitting the road or diving into new experiences headfirst. His legacy lives on in the stories shared around campfires, poker tables and at every family gathering.
May Robert “Mongo” Olona’s memory bring comfort to all who loved him—and may his adventurous spirit continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 27, 2025, from 4:00-6:30 pm, at Happy State Bank, 1908 4th Ave Canyon, Texas. For friends and family in Colorado a separate celebration to be held on January 24, 2026, at Boogies located at 968 Front St Rocky Ford, Colorado at 3pm.
