William Lee Carlson

William (Bill) Lee Carlson was born on December 7th, 1924 to Mabel J. Nelson and Carl Oscar Wilhelm Carlson, whose parents emigrated from Sweden, in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He was a smart, athletic young man who grew up in South Boston during the Great Depression. He learned quickly that hard work, humor and an engaging personality would help him succeed in life. For his senior year of high school he enrolled in the prestigious Admiral Farragut Academy in Pine Beach, New Jersey. He excelled in his courses and also played baseball, football and hockey. His academic and athletic achievements earned him a scholarship to Dartmouth College. He enlisted in the Navy at the end of WW2 and was soon promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Upon completing his tour, William returned home and resumed his studies. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tufts University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was recalled into the Navy during the Korean War where he served as a Lieutenant on the U.S.S. Burdo, a navy destroyer.

While still in school, Bill began his professional career. He was hired by Royal Dutch Shell Chemical as a draftsman, but found that being bound to the desk did not suit him. He moved into chemical sales where he flourished. His original territory expanded throughout the eastern states, often a source of many of his famous “stories” It was at Shell Chemical that he met Loretta Curran, an administrative assistant in the office pool. Loretta came from a large Irish Catholic family; she was the youngest girl of eleven siblings. This was a stark contrast to Bill’s family as he was the only child.

After a proper courtship of over 4 years, the two were married in Boston in 1952 while Bill was on a brief leave from his position on the U.S. S. Burdo. After a brief honeymoon, he returned to his ship with his new wife in tow. While Bill was still offshore, Loretta gave birth to their first child, Karen Marie in January, 1953. Bill would not see her until four months later, when he returned home on leave. It was on this leave that their second child, Joanne Elizabeth was conceived. Luckily for Loretta, Bill completed his tour in time to be home for Joanne’s birth in February of 1954.

Bill’s military service was finally over and the new family settled into a home in Connecticut. A few years later, their son, Mark David Carlson arrived in August of 1958. Their family now complete, Bill focused on work and was promoted again and again. His promotions would take them from Connecticut to California and from California to Texas. The family enjoyed many travels, friends and life experiences. In 1970, the Carlson’s arrived in Houston and would call that home for the rest of their lives. Their children, Mark, Joanne and Karen, would eventually start their own families; each marrying and having children of their own.

In 1994, William Carlson retired from Shell Chemical as Vice President of Chemical Sales after 40 years of service. Upon retirement, he pursued his hobbies of boating, travelling, visiting America’s lighthouses, visiting casinos and playing golf. He and Loretta built their retirement home in Destin which took so long it could be categorized as a full time hobby. The home was a great source of enjoyment for all the kids and grandkids. In 2003, Loretta, his wife of over 50 years, passed away. Bill would survive another twelve years after her passing. On May 3rd, 2015, Bill Carlson, affectionately known as “Bumpa” by his grandchildren, died. His last days were filled with his memories, the opportunity to spend time with his family and the knowledge that he was finally going to be with his beloved Loretta.

Those that knew Bill Carlson best would tell you that he was smart, funny, charismatic, and a bit stubborn. He instilled strength, honor, and love in his family (and a bit of his stubbornness). People just enjoyed being around him. When he told a story everybody listened. When he laughed everybody laughed. He welcomed everyone into his family with unconditional acceptance. Those that knew him were grateful to have known and been loved by him. He was one of a kind and he will be terribly missed. His family takes comfort knowing that he has been reunited with his wife, Loretta (aka Mom or Gamma).

William Carlson is survived by his daughter Karen Stogsdill; daughter, Joanne Carlson and son-in-law Pat Carlson; son Mark Carlson and daughter-in-law Denise Carlson. Bumpa is survived by his grandchildren Kyle Crickmer and his wife Gina; Michael Carlson and his wife Rachael; Kelli-Anne Carlson; Allie Carlson; Jeffrey Carlson, Nicholas Carlson; and his great-granddaughter Riley Crickmer.

Hey Bumpa, “Pals O’ Pete” is waiting for you.