John Perry Carlson Sr.

John was a big man, standing at 6’4”, with an even bigger heart. John had many happy memories growing up in Minnesota. He was a 1948 graduate of Wheaton, MN High School where he participated in football, basketball and baseball. John received a football scholarship from the University of Minnesota and was a member of the Golden Gophers football team from 1948-1951. He was a member of the SAE fraternity and enrolled in the Air Force ROTC.

In 1952, John graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Agricultural Business Administration and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt.

Needing some assistance in Zoology, he found a tutor, Doris Louise Taylor, who would become his loving wife of 72 years. They were married June 29, 1952, in Rochester, Minnesota.

John served at Harlingen Air Force Base 1952-1954.

After his discharge, he worked with the family business, Carlson Company in Wheaton, MN. He then worked as the Territory Manager and Dealer Counselor for Oliver Corporation. He was Vice President of the Cornell Corporation from 1969-1980. He then became Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Tectum Inc., Newark, OH, and retired in 1996 after 16 years of service.

John and Doris have six children. They shared many happy times camping, fishing, and supporting their children’s activities.

John was very active in community service. His participation included, Boy Scouts of America, Licking County Aging Board of Trustees, Licking Memorial Hospital Board, Moundbuilders Country Club, Newark Rotary Club, Sharon Glyn Condo Board of Trustees, Scandinavian Club of Columbus, Second Presbyterian Church, East Central Ohio SCORE, and Weathervane Playhouse Board.

John’s love for the Lord permeated every aspect of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Gladys Charlotte (Field) Carlson; sister, Valerie Sellden; niece, Vickie Sellden; and a grandson, Kevin Ash.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Doris Carlson; children, John P. Jr. (Janet), Timothy T. (Kathy), Joy Louise (Scott), Daniel P. (Debora), Candace Ann, and Mark A. (Darcy), 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and special family friends, Paula Richey, Lee Kirkpatrick and Abby Kirkpatrick. John is also remembered in life stories and with love by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, October 25, 2024, at First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 E. Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Visitation following the service.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to Dawes Arboretum, 7770 Jacksontown Road, Newark, OH 43056 or First Wayne Street UMC.