Thomas A. Carson

ASHLAND, EAST MACHIAS and CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Chief Warrant Officer Thomas "Tom" A. Carson passed away July 2, 2010, in Corpus Christi, Texas. He attended Ashland and East Machias schools, graduating from Washington Academy in 1980. Tom had a love of the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting and archery. During his 28 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard, he was able to enjoy these hobbies in many parts of the country. Chief Warrant Officer Carson had an illustrious Coast Guard career that included serving honorably onboard the Coast Guard cutters Mackinaw, Muskegon and Westwind, serving as a support technician at Station Panama City, Fla.; as first class technician at Loran Station, Kodiak, Alaska; as a recruitment officer in Denver; as a lead technician at Electronic Systems Support Unit, New Orleans; and finally as supervisor of electronic support detachments, Cape May, N.J., and Corpus Christi, Texas. Chief Warrant Officer Carson was awarded many awards, including the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, two Commandant's Letter of Commendation, Global War Against Terrorism Service Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, Department of Transportation 9-11 Ribbon, and multiple unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation for service during Hurricane Katrina. Tom's great sense of humor, warm and friendly demeanor and "John Wayne" leadership style will be remembered with love and sorely missed by his family, friends and shipmates. He is deeply missed by his wife, Tammy; stepchildren, Amanda and Steven; his beloved namesake, Thomas Geel and family; sisters, Victoria and Caroline Carson; brothers, Douglas and Robert Carson; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Viola (McGuigan) Carson; and an infant sister. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at Ashland Congregational Church, 48 Sheraton Road, Ashland, with military graveside services afterward. The Carson family will host a noon luncheon after the graveside service in the church dining room. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the scholarship fund at the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Association. Please indicate that your donation is in memory of Chief Warrant Officer Thomas A. Carson, USCG CPOA, 5520-G Hempstead Way, Springfield, VA 22151.