Robert E. Carlson

1923 - 2021

Colonel Robert (Bob) E Carlson, United States Army Retired, passed away on January 18, 2021 after a short illness and hospitalization. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 2, 1923 and a resident of Annapolis for 42 years. He is survived by his second wife of 42 years, Mary Stuart Taylor of Annapolis, sons, Robert E Carlson Jr and wife Cathy of North Tazewell Virginia and Douglas W Carlson and wife Brenda of Powder Springs, Georgia, stepdaughter Nora W Terres and husband Peter West of Davidsonville, Maryland, 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. His wife of 31 years Maurine Eder Carlson proceeded him in death in 1976. After serving as an enlisted Military Policeman in WWII, he returned to finish his college education at the University of Minnesota, where he received his BA in economics. He was designated a Distinguished Military Graduate in the ROTC program there and commissioned as a Regular Army Officer. He also received a Master's in Economics from Montana State College. He re-entered military service in 1949 as an Infantry Officer serving in the Army for a total of 33 years retiring in 1979. A veteran of World War II and Vietnam. While serving in the Philippines he was assigned to Joint United States Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG), serving as the advisor to the Filipino Military Police. While serving in Vietnam he was the Provost Marshall at Long Binh RVN. He was Commander of the 14th MP Group and Provost Marshall at Fort Meade Maryland. His final assignment was at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, (ICAF) at Fort McNair, Washington D.C. as a faculty member in the Economic Policy Department. In many assignments around the world, including Austria, Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines, he served as a commander, staff member and instructor. His many military awards include the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal. In retirement he and his wife operated the MaryRob Bed and Breakfast for several years in Annapolis and he taught economics at Anne Arundel Community College for 5 years. He enjoyed watching baseball on TV and as a child attended games in Chicago and Minneapolis. His interest in animals was keen. He loved gardening and his cats and enjoyed watching wildlife, like deer and birds, anything outdoors. He made friends easily, was gentile, thoughtful and kind to all he met. He loved his family and will be sorely missed. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with a date to be determined. John M. Taylor Funeral Home of Annapolis is handling all arrangements.