Jack Milton Carson

Jack Milton Carson It is only fitting that Jack Milton Carson was called home on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2008, after a brief fight with brain cancer. On Monday November 3, 2008 he was at his beloved ranch in Junction clearing cedar trees, and, yes, wielding a chain saw and climbing the windmill. On Wednesday November 5, 2008 he was messing with his beloved horses and had to be reminded to go to his doctor's appointment. We still can't believe Jack is gone, given how vital he was to the end. He loved life and he lived it his way. Jack was born on January 6, 1923 to Nessye Fleming Carson Moseley and J. Milton Carson in Tehuacana, Texas. At 19, during World War II, Jack joined the Army Air Corps, where he was in the North African campaign as a tail gunner. His service to our country earned him both the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart medals. Using the GI bill, Jack moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. Jack received his B.B.A. from UT in 1950. As so many of us who attend the University do, he found the love of his life, Mary Jo Andrews, whom he married November 19, 1949. Both were army veterans and UT graduates who loved Austin and determined to make their new life together in Austin. One of the first, and most important steps, was joining the Wedding Ring Class at First United Methodist Church. The class, and the friends they made there, have held a pivotal role in Jack's life. Jack participated in numerous activities at the church and continued as a member until his death. Jack never met a stranger and had many friends and acquaintances in Austin and Burnet County where he worked for many years. His work finding marble and granite deposits to mine for artistic stone uses took him to Burnet, Llano, Gillespie, and Cherokee counties from 1954-2008. He was still scouting mine locations in October of 2008. Another of Jack's passions was Boy Scout Troop No. 88 at Memorial Methodist Church on Berkman Drive in Austin, Texas. He began working with Troop No. 88 when his son, Andy, was in scouts. But he continued his service for many years after Andy earned his Eagle Scout. Jack was extraordinarily proud of his Silver Beaver, earned for his many years as Scout Master of Troop No. 88. In fact, both Jack and Andy attended a reunion of Troop No. 88 just a few months ago, honoring the 50th anniversary of the founding of Troop No. 88. Jack got to visit with many of the young men who earned their Eagle Scout award with him as their scout master. Jack requested that "his" Eagle Scouts be his pallbearers. Here is a big shout out to Troop No. 88. Jack founded and ran Cactus Canyon Quarries, Inc. located in Marble Falls, Texas. For the last 10 years, Jack and Andy shared the running of Cactus Canyon, which was a blessing for both of them. Jack's most recent passion has been his beloved grandchildren and watching them grow and thrive. Allie Reese McDonald and Carson Byers McDonald, daughter and son, respectively, of Kathleen Jo Carson McDonald and William McDonald. Jack tried his best to instill his love for horses, cows, ranching, hunting, and above all, passion for all things UT, in his grandchildren. He has given both Allie and Carson a cow and a horse. He has taken them horseback riding and cow feeding. Allie caught Jack's passion for UT and has plans to attend when that time comes. Jack gave Carson his first gun and made sure he knew how to use it safely. Carson eagerly awaits hunting season each year. Jack was also a rancher and a horseman. A man of many talents and many interests. A man with many friends and acquaintances. Jack was a man who lived life on his terms, and died as he lived, fighting to do it his way to the end. Jack is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Jo; son Andy and daughter-in-law Alison; daughter Kathy and son-in-law William; grandchildren Allie and Carson; sisters Elsie Burt Carson O'Neal and Margaret Ann Carson Boatright; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2008 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd. Graveside services will be held at 4:00 p.m. at Liveoak Cemetery in Brady, Texas.