William James Carlson

Bill was born on December 10, 1936, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Harold and Mary Carlson. He graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1955, the same year he earned the rank of Eagle Scout—an achievement that reflected the leadership, integrity, and dedication he carried throughout his life. He graduated from Simpson College in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and later earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado.

Following college, Bill answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. Commissioned as an Ensign in 1959, he served for 21 years as a Naval Intelligence Officer. His distinguished career included assignments in Vietnam, Taiwan, service aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, where he was selected to serve as Executive Officer (XO), second in command, and ultimately at NORAD in Colorado Springs, where he retired in 1980 as a Lieutenant Commander. Among the accomplishments of which he was most proud were serving as the Senior Naval Intelligence Advisor to the South Vietnamese Navy in the Mekong Delta and as an Intelligence Advisor to the Republic of China Armed Forces in Taiwan. He considered it an honor and a privilege to serve his country.

Following his military retirement, Bill worked as a Buyer/Planner for Digital Equipment Corporation in Colorado Springs until his retirement.

Service to others remained a guiding principle throughout Bill's life. He devoted many years to Scouting as a Scoutmaster, mentoring young people and helping shape future leaders. An Eagle Scout himself, Bill remained active in DeMolay throughout his life and was honored with his 60-year DeMolay pin. He was equally passionate about Freemasonry and the Order of the Eastern Star, organizations that became a lifelong source of friendship, purpose, and service. His dedication to Freemasonry and the Order of the Eastern Star spanned more than six decades, during which he was blessed to serve in many leadership positions and received numerous honors for his faithful service, including his 60-year Masonic pin. Bill served as Worshipful Master, Worthy Patron, Worthy Grand Patron of Colorado, Grand Chaplain, and in numerous state and local leadership roles. While he appreciated the many honors he received, what meant the most to him was the opportunity to serve alongside lifelong friends and contribute to organizations he deeply loved.

On May 27, 1989, Bill married the love of his life, Marcia. Together they shared 37 wonderful years of marriage and built a life centered on faith, family, and service.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Marcia Carlson of Montrose; his son, Kevin Carlson of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his daughters, Kimberly Carlson of Largo, Florida, and Kristen Karpovich of Montoursville, Pennsylvania; his stepdaughters, Danean Chezem of Olathe, Colorado, and Darcy Bolding of Kiowa, Colorado; his sister, JoAnn Leaver of Cheney, Washington; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

While Bill's accomplishments were many, those who knew him will remember him most for the man he was. He had a quick wit, an infectious sense of humor, and a genuine kindness that made everyone feel welcome. He never met a stranger, and whether sharing a story, a laugh, or a helping hand, Bill left people feeling better than when they found him. He was respected by everyone who knew him. Whether serving his country, mentoring a Scout, supporting his Masonic and Eastern Star family, or spending time with those he loved, Bill lived a life defined by honor, humility, generosity, and laughter.

His legacy of honor, service, laughter, and love will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched. He considered it a privilege to serve his country, his community, his Masonic family, and those he loved. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.