79, of 102 – 1st Street, Marlane Addition, Alpha, IL, died at 10:45 AM Thursday, May 29, 2003 in OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
He was born September 28, 1923 in Rio, IL to Fred and Nannie Johnson Carlson. He married Willodeane Brown on July 18, 1948 in Galesburg. She survives.
Also surviving are 2 sons: Steve Carlson of Biggsville, IL and Lowell (and Cheryl) Carlson of Rio, IL, a daughter: Gloria Carlson of Jonesboro, GA, six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, a brother: Lester Carlson of Moline, IL and two sisters: Inez Young and Marilyn Main, both of Rio, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and a great grandson.
He farmed in the Rio and Oneida areas for 30 years. He also worked in construction with H.L.R. Carlson Construction of Woodhull for 15 years and operated an income tax preparation service. He graduated from Alpha High School in 1942. He received his associated degree in Accounting in 1977 from Carl Sandburg College. He was a lifelong resident of the Alpha and Oneida areas. He was a member of the Rio Presbyterian Church. He was a member and past Patron of the Rio Eastern Star and member and past Master of Rio Masonic Lodge 685. He served on the board of directors of the Oneida Farmers Co-Op for 15 years. He was a former leader of the Oneida Livestock 4-H Club for many years. A World War II US Navy veteran, he served in the Philippines. He was a member and past Commander of the Rylander Milroy American Legion Post 727, Oneida. He was also past Commander of the Illinois American Legion District 15.
Funeral services will be 1:30 PM Monday June 2, 2003 in Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel with Rev. Dave Dennis officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Sunday June 2, 2003 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Masonic rites will be presented at 4:00 PM by Rio Masonic Lodge 685. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Military honors will be provided by the Rylander Milroy American Legion Post 727. Memorials can be made to Rylander Milroy American Legion Post 727, Oneida, IL, Rio Masonic Lodge 685, Rio Presbyterian Church, or the American Lung Association.