Harold Raymond Carson, 89

Harold Raymond Carson, Retired Lieutenant Commander United States Navy, age 89, of Wasola, Mo., passed into eternity on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015 due to illness.
Harold was born in 1925 in Jacksonville, Ill., to Walter and Bertha Rae Carson. He attended Jacksonville High School and graduated in 1943. He received a chemistry scholarship to college, but because of World War II he joined the United States Navy in 1943. Harold fought in several naval battles in the South Pacific, including the Battle of the Marianas Islands.  He retired from the Navy after serving 28 years.
Harold met the love of his life, Emily Ayres, and they were married in Mare Island, Calif., on Dec. 7, 1954. They had five children and the family traveled to interesting places around the world.
Surviving family members are Michael Carson and his wife, Sheila, of Maryland, James Carson, of Kentucky, Cathy Johnson and her husband, Douglas, of Montana, Cherie Gordon, of Missouri, and Tricia, wife of Bill Carson, of North Carolina. Harold has 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Emily; his parents; his stepmother, Virginia Carson; and his son, Bill Carson.
Harold was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ava, Mo. He was a wonderful husband an extraordinary father and will be greatly missed by all who loved him. He will be buried in the Ava Cemetery next to his wife.
Graveside services for Harold were Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, at 2 p.m. in the Ava Cemetery, Ava, Mo., with full military honors by Troy Herd American Legion Post #112. Officiating was Bishop Carlton Barrus.
Services were conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.
Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.