Carlos A. Harrison

CHARLESTON, IL – Carlos A. Harrison, age 75 of Charleston, passed away on Sunday, December 30, 2012 at Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.  Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday evening (Jan. 3) from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  Memorial Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 4, 2013 at the funeral chapel with Reverend Walter Carlson officiating.  It is requested that memorial gifts in his honor be made to Wesley United Methodist Church.  Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. 

Carlos was born on May 14, 1937 in Charleston and was a son of the late Claude and Marjorie (Sims) Harrison.  He married the love of his live, Beverly Polmounter, on October 3, 1970 in Miami, Florida.  For these past forty-two years they have been business partners, bridge partners and partners in life.  In addition to Bev he is survived by three children, Charles "Chuck" Harrison and wife Mary Ann of Morgantown, West Virginia, Tammy Harrison of Springfield, Illinois and James "Bob" Harrison of Charleston; a sister, Betty Yaw of Dennison, Illinois and a brother, Bill Harrison and wife Judy of Charleston. 

Carlos' sixteen years of education were all completed on the Eastern Illinois University campus.  He was a graduate of Eastern State High School and received his Bachelors degree in Chemistry from Eastern Illinois University.  Carlos worked as a house boy at Pem Hall and following graduation he taught math for the Virginia, Illinois School District.  Carlos then accepted a position as an inspector with the USDA which led to his employment as a federal agent with the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.  In 1971 he and Beverly purchased Harrisons' Cyclery, and continued to own and operate the successful family business until 2005.  

Carlos served a number of years with the Illinois National Guard.  He was a faithful member of Wesley United Methodist Church where he and Beverly served as Co-Presidents of the Parables Sunday School Class.  He was a Life Master of the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL); a former member of multiple bridge clubs and a former Rotarian.  Carlos also volunteered at Carle Clinic through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). 

Carlos enjoyed vegetable gardening and was an avid fan of St. Louis Cardinal Baseball.  He enjoyed traveling both on land and sea - he visited all fifty states and he and Bev enjoyed cruising.  Carlos always had a story to share and he recognized the value of a hard-earned dollar.  His family will truly miss his loving presence in their lives.Click here to view Carlos' memorial video.