Edwin C. Carlson

Edwin C Carlson Jr., age 71, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, July 5th in the NHC Franklin Nursing Facility in Franklin, TN. Born in Liberal, KS on January 16, 1946 to Edwin C. Carlson Sr. and Gladys Carlson; he was a beloved and well known fixture of the local community for most of his life. Edwin, also known by most people in Liberal as Speed or Speedy, graduated Liberal High School in 1964 and was a high ranking Boy Scout in his youth. During his high school years, he showed himself to be an outstanding wrestler, swimmer, and diver. An accomplished marksman, he earned a rating of sharpshooter from the Liberal DeMolay Jr. Rifle Club. Later when he became active in the Masonic Lodge, he attained the 32nd degree and was also an advisor for the Eastern Star. Even though he was prevented from attaining his lifelong dream of becoming a sharpshooter for the FBI, due to a chronic medical condition, he was able to connect to them through his poetry. After FBI agents were killed in Waco Texas in February 1993, Speed wrote "A Tribute to the F.B.I.". William Sessions, the FBI director, responded back with a letter of appreciation and made the poem available to the staff of the FBI employees magazine and to those who organize the annual memorial ceremony honoring fallen FBI employees. Speed was a loving brother who took up the responsibility of helping raise his brother during their mother's extended illness. He was a hard worker with an amazing memory. When he worked for Beach Aircraft in their parts warehouse, he could find parts either by name or part number without referring to the catalog. Eventually he ended up working for Sunflower Electric Company as their Shipping and Receiving Manager, and served them faithfully for almost 40 years. But he will be most remembered for his servant's heart and the innumerable small acts of kindness he performed for the people of Liberal, Kansas. He will be sorely missed. He is survived by his brother Perry Carlson; daughter Ginger Kaye Kaufman, step-brother Lloyd Carlson; step-sister Jody Richesin; numerous friends including Jim Wilson and Patti Davis-Burns. Viewing will be 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday July 14th at Miller Mortuary. Funeral Services will be 10:00am Saturday July 15th at the Miller Mortuary Chapel. Burial will follow at the Liberal City Cemetery. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Edwin C. Carlson please visit our Sympathy Store.