Gilbert I. Carlson

Gilbert I. Carlson, 94, of Yarmouth Port, passed away on December 29, 2024 at Cape Cod Hospital. He was born on July 8, 1930, in Plymouth, to parents Algot and Flora (Taylor) Carlson. He was the devoted husband to the late Mildred (Cantrell) Carlson for 65 years.
Gilbert graduated from Duxbury High School in 1949. He was a US Army Veteran, station in Fulda, Germany in the US Constabulary 1st BN 14th A C Regiment along the Russian border as a radio operator and also served during the Korean War after WWII 1949-1952, which was considered the Cold War.
He worked for New England Telephone for 32 years as an installer and repairman, and retired from them in 1985. Afterwards, he worked at Pembroke Hospital as a security officer until 1992.
Gilbert lived in Waterview Village in Carver before moving to Yarmouth Port with his family.
Gilbert was an avid turkey and duck hunter. He loved to shoot skeet and reload his own ammunition. He loved the outdoor wildlife including fresh and salt water fishing, hiking, camping, and canoeing. He also loved the country music and the show "Hee Haw".
Gilbert was a proud member for over 50 years of the American Legion Post 164 in Carver and served as Commander, Historian, and Chaplain. He was also a member of the US Constabulary Association, Middleboro Gun Club, Retired Telephone Pioneers, NRA, GOAL, and the American Hunting Club and was a past member of the Carver VFW and the Plymouth Rod and Gun Club.
In addition to his many memberships, he was a member of the Church of the Vine in Carver, and attendee of Grace Church in East Dennis, and a past member of the United Church of Christ in Carver.
Gilbert is survived by his children, Deborah Chase (husband Mark) of Yarmouth Port, Judith Pratt of Carver and stepson Dana Pratt of Texas, Sandra Rapoza (husband Paul) of Carver, his grandchildren Julie Sume (husband Ron) of Orleans, Michael and his wife Kelly Chase of Chatham, Alicia Johnson and James Gomes of Middleboro, Paul Irving of Wareham, Lillian and Mike Rapoza, James Irving and Jordan Dodge of Maine, Allana Irving and Erica of New Hampshire.
He is also survived by his great grandchildren Devon and Amya Irving, Thomas and Lillian Chase, Aaron and Grace Sume, Alivia and Zyaire Irving, nieces and nephews, Nancy Love of Buzzards Bay, Carl Carlson II of Barnstable, and Sally Pyle of Hanover.
Gilbert had a long time friend from Duxbury, Robert Olsen (and his daughter Laurie of Florida), whom he conversed daily with about their childhood, military experiences, and their families.
In addition to his wife and his parents, Gilbert is predeceased by his brother Carl A. Carlson (and Carl's wife Anne), and his niece Vicki.
Gilbert's Funeral Services will be held at Church of the Vine, 5 Wareham St., Carver, on Saturday February 1, 2025, 10am. His burial will be held the same day at 1:30pm at Plymouth County Memorial Cemetery Corp., 173 South Meadow Rd, Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Church of the Vine in Carver.