David Vernon "Swede" Karlson

David Vernon "Swede" Karlson, 63, of 115 East Martin Street, Litchfield, formerly of Quincy, died at 3:32 p.m. Wednesday (June 1, 2011), in Raymond .

David was born Nov. 12, 1947, in Quincy, a son of Vernon Lester and Juanita Marie Conner Karlson. On Oct. 29, 1970, he married Ruth Melanephy in San Diego, Calif., and she died July 21, 1990. On April 22, 2006, he married Sandra Mae Higgins in Litchfield. She survives.

David was a 1967 graduate of Quincy Senior High School. He enlisted in the Marines, serving from 1968 to 1974 . David was very proud to serve in the Marines and for his country in Vietnam aboard the U.S.S. Ranger. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for more than 30 years, retiring in 2003.

David spent as much time as possible on the golf course. Golfing was one of his true loves. He also bowled on the leagues here in Quincy and Gillespie.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include four sons, David V. (Brenda) Karlson II of Newport News, Va., Jon Karlson of Paxton and Chris Karlson and Chuck Karlson of Quincy; a daughter, Katrina (Mike) Blackwell of Quincy; two sisters, Mary Bridgman of Ursa and Barbara Karlson of Quincy; six grandchildren; one great-grandson; four stepchildren, Jeff (Niki) May of Litchfield, Rachel (Mike) Warfield of Louisville, Ky., Todd (Kristina) May of Mount Olive, and Kevin (Kyra) May of Livingston; 11 step-grandchildren, and one step-great grandchild.

David was preceded in death by his parents.

SERVICES: 3 p.m. Sunday in the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with the Rev. Steve Disseler conducting. Burial will be in Greenmount Cemetery.

VISITATION: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home.

MEMORIALS: Toys for Tots program.

ARRANGEMENTS: Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.