Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Chris Carlson Obituary
Chris proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Coast Guard, retiring with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3). Following his military service, he dedicated himself to ministry, serving as a pastor for several churches between 1995 and 2008. His deep faith and love for Jesus were central to his life and work.
Chris found joy in his family and cherished time spent with them. He also had a lifelong passion for The Beatles and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Those who knew him will remember his unwavering devotion to his faith and his loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Carlson (1982) and Freya Carlson (2013). He is survived by his beloved wife, Teresa Rose Carlson of Magazine, Arkansas; his sons Christopher "Topher" Carlson, Jr. (wife Crystal) of Magazine, Arkansas; Kyle Carlson (wife Lindsey) of Hewitt, Texas; and seven grandchildren: Christina Wittman (husband Taylor) of Huntington, Arkansas; Elijah of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Madeline of Shawnee, Oklahoma; and Collin, Jude, Spencer, and Rex of Hewitt, Texas.
The family will hold a private graveside ceremony at Fort Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Chris's legacy of faith and love will continue to inspire all who knew him. May the grace of Jesus comfort all those who knew and loved him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Renee Rose
January 1, 2025
Chris was a wonderful brother n law. I loved his wit and his animated gestures. He always made me laugh. He was a GOD gifted man & would share this gift with others. Last time I saw him, I thanked him for helping me to get back to GOD. He was an example of how to love your mate no matter what & how to love your children. "Always include those that you love", I remember him saying & he demonstrated this by watching him with his wife, kids & grandkids. I shall miss your energy as you walked into a room & thanks for helping me along the way.
James and Sherry Dietrich
December 21, 2024
So sorry for your loss! Our prayers are going out to the wonderful lady Terri and all of the family! Chris touched our family in so many ways! Lots of great memories, that we will always treasure! He planted lots of seeds out here in SW Colorado!
Debbie Snead
December 21, 2024
We were so blessed to have Chris in our lives! Our prayers to all his family & friends.
Melanie Hall Tharp
December 21, 2024
It is my honor to have had Chris as a cousin but truthfully I loved him like a brother. Family gatherings in our youth were always filled with joy, humor, and child adventures. Sometimes even a little "preaching" if he thought the adventure might be getting a bit off path. As adults, no matter how long the time between our visits were, there was never an uncomfortable space between us.
The Lord truly blessed Chris with many gifts; wit, generosity, devotion to family, courage, and that beautiful singing voice and the talent to use it. He was also especially blessed with Terri. A wife that not only complimented his giant personality but could curb it if need be.
I know that the faith and devotion that Chis has for the Lord put him first in line when Heaven´s Gates opened yesterday.
For now, my heart is filled with sorrow but remembering him will bring joy and laughter again to all my tomorrows.
We´re sending our deepest condolences to you and the family, Terri. We will always love and miss him.
Love always your cousin too, Melanie
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Mark Rose
December 20, 2024
A Dallas Cowboy fan through and through. Gonna miss you bro
Mark Rose
December 20, 2024
I am his brother in law. Met him at age if 8 yo. Was a bit of a brat to him then......hopefully not later in life. Will kiss you brother. Mark Rose
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Chris Carlson's name
How to support Chris's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Chris Carlson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
