Virgil Ray Carson

Virgil Carson of New Orleans, LA., passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2011. A dedicated husband and family man of gentle heart and generous spirit will be greatly missed. He was born November 25, 1923, in Iuka, MS, the son of the late Herbert and then late Ona Hudson Carson also preceded in death by his brother, Charles Vernon Carson and his sister, Mary Catherine Carson Sicola.

After high school, he served as SFIC on board the USS Willoughby for three years in the S. Pacific during WWII which included the “Battle of Leyte Gulf”. His WWII Bible was later carried by two more generations of Carsons into combat (Vietnam and the Persian Gulf) which inspired many veterans in the best seller, “Winners and Losers” by Gloria Emerson.

After WWII he and his wife Virginia settled in New Orleans and established Lou-Con, Inc., a successful mechanical construction company in St. Bernard Parish for over 50 years.

Virgil was a wonderful, loving husband, devoted father and grandfather and friend to so many who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia Barrow Carson, his brother Earl Carson and wife Doris, his sister Gladys Curtis and husband Auston, his son Lane A. Carson and wife Laura, his son Michael Ray Carson, Tammy Marshall and family, his daughter Ona Carson Robbins and husband Rusty, and four grandchildren Rebecca Carson Parks and husband Nathaniel, Lt. Christopher Carson (USN), Tyler Ray Robbins, and Abigail Virginia Robbins.

Relatives and friends of the family, as well as members of Lou-Con, Inc., Steamfitters and Pipefitters Local 60, Grand Lodge of LA. F&AM, Crescent City #387, American Legion Post #16, Veterans of Foreign Wars #8720, First Baptist Church, New Orleans and Gentilly Baptist Church are invited to attend the funeral service at JACOB SCHOEN AND SON FUNERAL HOME, 3827 Canal St., New Orleans, LA on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 with visitation from 11:00 AM until service time at 2:00 PM. Interment in Greenwood Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church, New Orleans. Condolences may be expressed online at www.schoencanalstreet.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119. Tel: 504-482-2111