Neal Eric Carlson

Neal Eric Carlson, 70, of Wentzville, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on January 1, 2025, with his loving daughter by his side.
Neal was born on February 8, 1954, in North St. Louis County to Gustave and Thelma Carlson. He attended Atonement Lutheran School through eighth grade, then graduated from McCluer North High School in 1972. He went on to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia, and he graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor's degree in Fisheries and Wildlife. His early love of spending time in the farm workshop with his grandfather, combined with his natural mechanical aptitude, shaped his future career path.
Neal began his professional life at McDonnell Douglas, where he worked on the landing gear for the F-15 Eagle fighter jet. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and precision, he was instrumental in developing early software programs for landing gear production. Following his time in the aerospace industry, Neal found a new calling as a professional truck driver, a career that suited his independent nature and which he pursued until his retirement in 2020.
In 1977, Neal married Diane Hickerson, whom he met while attending the University of Missouri, where he was an active member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. They had two children, Lindsay and Tyler. Later in life, Neal found companionship with Patti Perrone, whose son Tony became like a son to Neal.
A proud Eagle Scout who earned his rank in December 1969, Neal continued his involvement with scouting as a summer camp coordinator through 1985. He took great pride in seeing this legacy continue through his daughter Lindsay's leadership in Cub Scouts and his grandsons Theodore and Henry Zeiter's journey toward their own Eagle Scout ranks.
Neal was a man who believed in figuring things out for himself, often saying "If all else fails, read the instructions." He was an accomplished do-it-yourselfer who maintained his own vehicles and home. His love for the water led to countless memorable days on the Mississippi in Clarksville, at the Lake of the Ozarks, and at Goose Creek, where he enjoyed boating, water skiing, and tubing with his friends, fellow scouts, and family. He created lasting memories with his children through Star Trek marathons, water gun fights, Six Flags adventures, and countless board game sessions.
Known for his calm, easy-going and collected demeanor, Neal was a dependable presence in the lives of his family and friends, always ready to lend a helping hand with projects or support loved ones in need. Family gatherings, especially during holidays, held a special place in his heart.
Neal was preceded in death by his son Tyler Carlson and his beloved companion Patti Perrone. He is survived by his daughter Lindsay (Ted) Zeiter and her sons Theodore and Henry; his parents Gus and Thelma Carlson; his brothers Dale (Becky) Carlson and Brian (Angela) Carlson; nephew Eric Carlson; and nieces Sloane Wefelmeyer and Reis Carlson.
On Saturday, January 18th, Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville will host a visitation from 12:00-1:00pm, and a memorial service starting at 1:00pm. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow from 2:00-5:00pm at Friendship Brewery, Flint Hill location.
Memorial donations in honor of Neal may be made to Scouting America's Great Rivers Council. There are several ways to support scouts, all detailed here: https://greatriversscouting.org/support-scouting/
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