Lily May Carlson

On Tuesday October 20th 2020, Lily May (Pechal) Carlson, beloved wife to husband James, passed peacefully at the age of 97 with him by her side. Lily was born October 10th 1923 in Temple Texas to Rose (Dukatnik) and Frank Pechal. She had three sisters, Irene, Mable, and Ruth, with Lily third in line. They grew up in a tightly joined Czech-Moravian community on a farm in Temple Texas. At age 4 her father unexpectedly passed away leaving her mother and girls to run the farm. Harvesting cotton often interfered with their schooling. Lily at last, graduated from High School at the age of 21.

Wanting a better life, Lily courageously pursued Nursing and received her Registered Nursing Diploma at The John Sealy College of Nursing at the University of Texas in 1947. She recalled stories of spending her first year caring for the mass casualties caused during the 1947 Texas City Disaster which was the deadliest industrial accident in United States history. She described how her experiences prepared her for what was to be the next chapter of her life.

Lily enlisted in the U.S Navy in 1949 serving in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Lily was appointed Jr. Lieutenant in the Nurse Corps in 1951, Lieutenant in 1954, and Lieutenant Commander in 1959. For two of her deployments she was assigned as a flight nurse transporting soldiers wounded in combat from Korea to Honolulu for urgent hospital care. For years to come, she held close to her heart, the sacrifices that the men and women she served suffered. Throughout her 21 years her stations included Italy, Japan, and Hawaii. Lily retired in 1970 at age 47 after serving 21 years in the U.S Navy

Lily continued her passion for our country by frequently visiting local government officials and supporting many philanthropy organizations that encouraged a better country for our future.

Lily met James Carlson in August 1971 and married shortly thereafter spending the next 49 years together. For 24 years they worked successfully operating their own printing business in Kent. After selling, they retired to a 14 acre farm in Renton where, for the next 25 years they worked hard developing the property and caring for 5 horses, 2 dogs, 3 cats, and 10 sheep.

In 2015 they began another journey to turn their ranch into a non-profit providing equine therapy to fellow Veterans and others suffering from hidden wounds and PTSD caused during their years of sacrifice . Shortly before her passing Lily saw this dream become reality and her memory lives on at the Hitching Rail Wellness Center & Retreat.

Lily was preceded in death by her parents and 3 sisters. She is survived by husband James, stepsons, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Jim and lily’s dream at Hitchingrailranch.org or you may choose to send a donation to the address on that same website.