Larry D. Carson

Larry D. Carson, 89, of Moline, Illinois, passed away on July 17, 2025, at the home of his son and daughter-in-law in Knoxville, Tennessee, surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 3, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Horizon Room at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline. Funeral services will take place on Monday, August 4, at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1330 13th Street, Moline, followed by burial at Rock Island National Cemetery. A funeral luncheon will be held immediately following burial at CityView Celebrations at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline. 

Larry Dwight Carson was born on April 3, 1936, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, to Helen (Hartkemeyer) and Dwight Van Fleet. He was the eldest of three boys, followed by his brothers, Donald “Don” Lee (born 1936) and James “Jim” Alan (born 1939). The boys were raised by their mother and her second husband, George E. Carson, whom she married in 1946. The brothers took the Carson name and made Moline their home.

On December 22, 1957, Larry married the love of his life, Mary Crowell of Wheatland, Iowa. Their 61-year marriage was a true partnership, marked by love, laughter, and deep devotion to family, faith, and community.

A proud graduate of Moline High School (Class of 1954), Larry attended Western Illinois University and was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps and remained active in veterans’ organizations throughout his life, including the Marine Corps League, the American Legion, and the American Foundryman’s Association.

Larry worked for John Deere for 39 years, retiring as a General Supervisor at John Deere Harvester Works in 1999. Beyond his career, he was a dedicated coach and mentor, positively impacting the lives of many young people through baseball, softball, and basketball. He also served as an Illinois State Chief for the YMCA’s Indian Guides program and was a faithful, lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Larry had a heart for service. As a volunteer with the American Red Cross, he answered the call during times of national crisis—serving in Manhattan and Washington, D.C. after 9/11, in Florida after Hurricane Ivan, and in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. He also volunteered with Toys for Tots and several food banks in the Quad Cities. In recent years, he dedicated over 15 years to honoring fellow veterans through his work with Genesis Hospice.

He found joy in traveling—especially with Mary, their children, and close friends—and was an avid fisherman throughout his life. His stories, wit, and warm sense of humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Larry is survived by his four children:

Christian (Kathleen) Carson of Columbia, MO

Michael (Linda) Carson of Knoxville, TN

Matthew (Denise) Carson of Savannah, GA

Kelly (Peter) Flemming of Forest Park, IL

He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Melinda (Christopher) Daley, Samuel (Alyson) Carson, Courtney Carson, Kate Bailey, Christine (Sam Berkelhammer) Carson, Kendall Carson, Carly Flemming, and Quinn Flemming.

And by eight great-grandchildren: Melaina Bailey, Tyler Carson, Caroline Daley, Michael Daley, Bear Bailey, Kinsley Carson, Julianna Johnson, and Charlotte Daley.

Additional survivors include his sister-in-law, Susan Carson, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents, Helen and George Carson; his brothers, Donald and James Carson; and his grandson, Jacob Carson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, Iowa; or Trinity Lutheran Church in Moline, Illinois.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.