Howard Carlson

Born July 15, 1919 in Barnesville Minnesota. Died at Spartanburg, South Carolina November 13, 2021.

He is survived by his wife of 76 years Sonia Carloss Carlson, a son, Dr. Paul Howard Carlson (Susie) and a daughter, Candace Carlson Cole (Derham). He is also survived by 4 grandchildren Anna Carlson Hunter (Cole), Joseph Derham Cole, Jr. (Suzy), Jonathan Taylor Cole (Emily), and Carlson Cole Clelland (Kyle). He is also survived by six great grandchildren.

Dr. Carlson received a degree in forestry from Iowa State College (now Iowa State University) and a Doctor of Dental Science degree from the School of Dentistry at the University of Minnesota after which he practiced dentistry in Spartanburg until his retirement.

In July 1941, while attending Iowa State College and participating in the R. O. T. C. program, he received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant United States Army, Field Artillery, 62nd Field Artillery Battalion, and was called to active duty. In December of 1941, after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he received a commission as a 1st Lieutenant and was deployed to combat in Europe in North Africa and Sicily. Following service there he was deployed to duty in England where he met his future wife at Banbury Cross. He underwent training for Operation Overlord and the subsequent allied invasion of France. He and Sonia had a wedding planned for June 6, 1944 at Madron Church in Penzance, England. The wedding would be postponed until March 28, 1945 as on June 6 Lt. Carlson was sitting in a landing craft waiting for instructions to land on Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy to drive the Germans from France. Following the successful invasion at Normandy Lt. Carlson marched through France and to Belgium where he participated in the Ardennes Counteroffensive commonly known as the "Battle of the Bulge".

Dr. Carlson was a member of the American Dental Association, the South Carolina Dental Association (President 1971-1972), South Carolina Academy of Dental Administration (President 1969-1970), Piedmont District Dental Society (President 1963-1964), the Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics, Spartanburg Rotary Club, Spartanburg Speech and Hearing Clinic – Board of Directors, and the Charles Lea Center – Board of Directors, Vice-President.

He was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the state's highest civilian honor, by South Carolina Governor Henry D. McMaster.

A private memorial service was held at Saint John's Lutheran Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina on November 23, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint John's Lutheran Church at 415 South Pine Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29302 or to the charity of one's choice.