Ernest Ernie Daniel Carlson Jr.

Ernest was born in Houston on November 30, 1924 and was raised in the Heights. He attended Travis Elementary School, James Hogg Junior High School and John Reagan Senior High School. While in high school he met Melba Prowse his future wife. Melba was a cheerleader and Ernest was captain of the 1942 Reagan championship football team.

In 1943 after graduating from high school Ernest entered the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served with the 5th Air Force, 139th AACS Squadron in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. Discharged in 1946, Ernest enrolled in Rice Institute with a full athletic scholarship to play football. After 1 1/2 years an injury ended his football career. Ernest gave up his scholarship so that another student could attend Rice. He continued his education using the G.I. Bill and resumed his athletic pursuits on the Rice golf team where he was a two year letterman. While at Rice he married the love of his life Melba Prowse, his high school sweetheart.

After graduating in 1950 Ernest worked for Air Reduction Sales Co. In 1953 he accepted a sales position with Rheem Manufacturing Co., where he was later appointed Southwest Region Sales Manager. He retired in 1983 after 30 years of service. Ernest had a long and fulfilling retirement. The joy of his retirement was his family. Other interests included golf, fishing, hunting, gardening, reading, cooking, and keeping up with current events.

Ernest was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He tenderly cared for Melba in her later years when her health began to fail. A long time member of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, his guidepost in life was John 3:16 “For God so loved the world he gave his one and only Son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” We will miss Ernest, but memories of his love and goodness will remain forever.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents Leonora and Ernest Carlson and his wife of 64 years Melba Carlson. He is survived by son Dan Carlson and his wife Jill Carlson, grandson Zachary Carlson, granddaughter Alexandra Carlson, brother Robert Carlson, and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Lance Gould and his associates for their amazing care and treatment and the 5th floor staff of Willowbrook Methodist Hospital for their compassionate care of Ernest in his final days.

In accordance with Ernest’s request there will not be a memorial service. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 18, 2014, at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home. A Graveside Service for family and friends will be led by Pastor David Roschke on Saturday, April 19, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery (6900 Lawndale St.) where Ernest will be laid to rest alongside Melba. Remembrances can be made to Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4930 West Bellfort Ave. Houston, TX 77035.