Kenneth Howard Carlson, Sr.

At the age of 100 years, Ken Carlson of Show Low, Arizona passed away on January 24, 2015, surrounded by his family in Lakeside, Arizona. Ken was born on September 2, 1914 in Chicago, Illinois to the late John and Sadie Carlson. At the age of 2 he moved with his family to Casper, Wyoming where he grew up as the oldest of 7 children. He worked a variety of jobs, beginning at a young age, before he was employed in the oil fields of Wyoming for years. He and his loving wife Roberta Lynch Shinn had five children, Skip (Kay) Carlson, Mick (Shirley) Carlson, Mary Ann (Arley) McNeil, Kathy (Lawrence) Steed, and Becky (David) Stubbs. In 1957 he moved to Arizona; first to Tucson, then Springerville, and then Show Low. He owned a trailer park, then a service station, and then worked for a car dealership as a mechanic. After the death of his wife Roberta, he married Gladys Wooden of Lakeside, Arizona. He grew close to her children, Mable (T F) Genn, Don (Verda) Wooden, Wayne (Joyce) Wooden and Delmer (Cassandra) Wooden. He worked for White Mountain Passenger Line and retired from Navopache Electric as a mechanic at the age of 65. He was preceded in death by both of his wives, one daughter, one step-daughter, four sisters, and a brother. He has one living sister, Christine (Bill) Weckworth from Greely, Colorado. Throughout his life he was a Christian. He was an active member of his church and lead music for many years. He and Gladys spent many years with the White Mountain Square Dance Club. Ken was a square dance caller and started a square dance school which in those early years included several of his grandchildren. He enjoyed playing golf and played often for many years, including his last time playing golf in August 2014, at nearly 100 years old. Throughout his life he and his family enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He was often found playing his guitar and singing at church, at home, and at gatherings. Hearing him sing and play is a favorite family memory. He was able to play and sing for us at his 100th birthday in September 2014. It was truly a treat. He created a strong family bond and legacy for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Fond family memories include water skiing, going to work with him, singing with him, and hunting with him. He loved and honored and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the White Mountain Bible Church, 3171 Show Low Lake Road, Show Low, Arizona.