David E. Carlson

David E. Carlson, 73, Linda Ln., Jefferson, died Monday in the intensive care unit at the Ashtabula Co. Medical Center.

He was born on January 11, 1932 in Jefferson, the son of Edward & Evelyn (Congdon) Carlson and has been a resident of the Jefferson area most of his life. Mr. Carlson graduated from Jefferson High School in 1949 and attended Otterbein College. He served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1957 as a navigator advancing to the rank of First Lieutenant. He later graduated from Kent State University in 1964 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education degree and from Westminster College in 1969 with a Master of Education degree. He served the students of Jefferson Area Local Schools as a teacher and assistant principal of Jefferson Elementary School for 32 years. Other duties included Director of Audio/Visual, school bus driver and sixth grade trip coordinator. He received the Conservation Teacher of the Year award and was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional education honorary.

Mr. Carlson enjoyed repairing furniture for Hamilton’s Furniture Store and completing other projects in his woodworking shop in Jefferson. He was very active in the Jefferson community. He helped organize village parades and established and maintained flags displayed on village streets. In addition, he built wooden figures used as Christmas decorations throughout the village for the Chamber of Commerce.

He was active in many Jefferson Area School’s activities, including earning Mr. Top Hat at the Falcon Follies in 1983 and working tirelessly for the Jefferson Area Music Boosters uniform drive in 1984-85. He was an active member of the Jefferson Rotary Club and was selected as a Paul Harris Fellow. He helped organize numerous projects such at the Rotary Horse Show and Rotary events at Jefferson Days. He was honored with the Community Service Award sponsored by the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce in 1992.

He was a dedicated and energetic member of Masonic bodies. He was Past Commander of Conneaut Cache Commandery #27 and was currently serving as Worshipful Master of Relief Lodge #284, F. & A. M. in Pierpont and Illustrious Master of Conneaut Council #40. He also was a member of Jefferson Chapter #141, R. A. M., A. M. D. #149 and Scottish Rite, Valley of Spokane, WA. He received his 50-year membership pin in 2003.

He attended the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Jefferson and was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at Otterbein College and enjoyed their annual reunions.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara J. (Holmes) Carlson, whom he married July 17, 1954 at the Jefferson Congregational Church, a son, Timothy A. (Beth) Carlson & three granddaughters, Katherine, Erica & Emily, all of Orwell and three brothers, Robert (Barbara) Carlson of Charlottsville, VA, Kenneth (Linda) Carlson of Ashtabula & Larry (Jean) Carlson of Jefferson and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 11:00 A. M. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 41 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson, OH 44047, with the Rev. Bruce Larson officiating. Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery where Geneva Post #6846 will provide military services.

Calling hours will be held Thursday from 2-4 & 6-8 P. M. at the Fleming Funeral Home, Inc., 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson. Relief Lodge #284 F. & A. M. will conduct Masonic services Thursday at 8:00 P. M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund at the First Congregational United Church of Christ at the above address, envelopes will also be at the funeral home and church.

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