Harry Carlson's Obituary
Harry Lee Carlson passed away at Decatur Memorial Hospital on Sunday, October 22nd, 2017. He was 91.
Harry’s memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Friday, October 27th at 11:00 a.m. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to First UMC in Decatur, IL.
Harry was born November 25th, 1925 in McPherson, Kansas to Marion W. and Viola (Rogers) Carlson. He married Esther Elizabeth Carlson on March 24th, 1951 in Sandusky, Ohio. Harry graduated from Vandalia High School. He received a B.S. from Eastern Illinois University and a M.S. from the University of Illinois. He was a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon and Phi Delta Kappa. Harry worked in the Decatur Public Schools as a teacher, a principal and Director of Middle Schools. Harry was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Decatur, IL and enjoyed the Covenant class and United Methodist Men. He also served on several church committees and at the Good Samaritan soup kitchen. Harry volunteered with the Boy Scouts. He served with the Merchant Marines/Coast Guard during WWII, from 1943-1946, as an ensign. He was a ship radio communicator. He served in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. Harry’s hobbies were playing cards, using his ham radio, golfing with church friends, playing the banjo and wood carving.
Survivors include his wife, Esther; son, Rev. Scott (Patricia) Carlson of Indianapolis, IN, daughter, Jan (Robert) Carlson-Williams of San Jose, CA. He is also survived by his grandchildren Elizabeth (Doug) John, Los Angeles, Kirsten (Zach) Uttich, Chicago, Laura (Eric) Rouse, Indianapolis, Paul Carlson, Rock Island, Timothy Carlson, San Francisco. Great-grandchildren are Stella Rouse and Harrison John.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Dale and Barbara.
The family of Harry Lee Carlson is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL 62526. Send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Harry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harry?
Share a story where Harry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harry you’ll never forget.
How did Harry make you smile?