CDR Vernon Kent Carlson

CDR Vernon Kent Carlson began life on October 17, 1941, in Eastport, Idaho. He was the eldest child of Clarence and Nila (Roundtree) Carlson and was joined by his sister, Cheryl McKernan. As a child of a U.S. Border Patrolman, his family moved to Detroit, Michigan, and Cleveland, Ohio, before returning to Spokane, WA in 1959. Vernon attended Washington State University, graduating in 1964 with a degree in forest management. He spent two years volunteering on large scale irrigation projects in Algeria before enlisting in the Coast Guard in 1967.

A proud Vietnam Veteran and retired Coast Guard Commander, Vernon spent two decades operating Coast Guard cutters around the country until 1988. His experience at sea led him to a merchant marine career in Seattle, WA where he met his wife in 1992, and they had their only daughter in 1993. Never one to sit still, Vernon was an avid outdoorsman, lifelong Detroit and WSU sports fan, and enjoyed traveling and trying new cuisines. He spent his latter years volunteering at their local Thai Temple, the Atammayatarama Buddhist Monastery in Woodinville, WA. He will be remembered for his curiosity, philanthropy, and witty sense of humor.

Vernon was a devoted father, husband, and mentor to many. He died on August 5, 2026 in Bellevue, WA and survived by his wife, Porntipa Carlson, and his daughter, Nanty Carlson. Family, friends and neighbors are welcome to attend a memorial gathering on Saturday August 22, 2026 at Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills 409 Filbert Rd Lynnwood, WA 98036. Viewing begins at 11 a.m. and remarks at 12 p.m.