Paul J. Carlson “Catfish”, 80, of Anderson, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the Alexandria Care Center after an extended illness.
Paul was born on September 8, 1939 in Evansville, Indiana to Thury and Alma (Honkala) Carlson and was the youngest of four children.
He relocated to Anderson with his family at a young age where he would spend the remainder of his life. Paul graduated from Anderson High School in 1957 and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy. Paul married Betty Kay (Barrett) in 1962 and together, they had four children; David, Andrew, Christina, and Richard.
Paul was employed at McHenry’s Oil Co., Nicholson File, Anderson Mattress Co., and retired from the City of Anderson as a Bailiff in 2008 and was a lifetime member of Christ Lutheran Church of Anderson.
Paul loved the outdoors and family sports, spending his free time coaching T-ball and little league. Paul was also an avid hunter and loved his fishing, where he earned the nickname “Catfish”. Paul also enjoyed gardening, woodcarving and his annual fishing trips to Phelps, Wisconsin where he satisfied his dream of catching the “trophy Muskie”.
Paul is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty Kay of Anderson; children David (Kim) Carlson of Alexandria, Andrew (Laura) Carlson of Indianapolis, Christina Smith-Jones of Anderson and Richard (Lisa) Carlson of Daleville; nine grandchildren, Cody, Cory Smith-Jones, Cameron (Haley), Kaitlyn, Cyle (Sydnie), Meghan, Nicholas, Luke and Nathan; great grandchildren, Luke Smith-Jones, Jaxon and Axel and several step grandchildren; brothers, Marvin (Phyllis) Carlson, Chuck (Carol) Carlson, sister-in-law, Mrs. John "Delores" Carlson.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John, son-in-law Michael Smith and special cousin Marilyn Tracy and Aunt Irene Harp.
Special thanks to Community Hospital of Anderson, Millers Merry Manor of Chesterfield and Alex Care Center of Alexandria. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Anderson Humane Society or the Anderson Education Foundation-Anderson Community Schools.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service with Kent Stookey officiating. Burial will follow at East Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 12 noon until the service at the funeral home.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com