Merritt Ray Carson

Merritt Ray (Will) Carson, 93, passed away Monday April 1, 2024.  Merritt is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Syble Carson, and sister Anna Bell Ryel.  He is survived by his wife of 73 years Leah Carson, daughters Kathy (Teresa) Carson, Karen (Roger) Cook, and son Bryan (Darlene) Carson; grandchildren Matt (Natalie) Shofner, Michael (Tammy) Cook, David Cook, Nicole (Jeff) Carson, Caleb (Katie) Carson; great grandchildren Naomi Shofner, Damon Shofner, Elsa Shofner, Nick Cook, Kaylee Cook, Josephien Cook, Waylon Cook, Carson Cook, Bella Myers, Lily Carson, William Carson; great great grandson Dean Shofner. A second great great grandson is due soon.

Merritt was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas.  Growing up he liked to fish with his dad.  He achieved Eagle Scout status.  He graduated from Wichita North High in 1949 and married the love of his life Leah Preuss in 1951.  He was a member of the army ready reserves and was honorably discharged in 1957.  He was a talented artist and gave away many drawings.  Merritt retired from Cargill after 39 years with the company.  He enjoyed travelling to various places in the US with his wife on bus tours.  They embarked on many cruises experiencing Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska, and Hawaii.   He enjoyed going to watch his grandkids in school activities.  He was a member of Linwood Nazarene Church for many years and enjoyed singing in the choir.   Everyone in his senior living community that passed by seemed to know his name and would chat.  As his health declined all his care takers commented on how nice he was always thanking them for his care.  This was representative of how he lived his life.