Thomas Carlson

Thomas Oscar Carlson

Thomas Oscar Carlson, 80, Topeka, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at Midland Hospice House, Topeka. Mr. Carlson was born Aug. 21, 1923, at Topeka, the son of Emil August and Lola Ethel (Rush) Carlson. He attended Sumner Grade School, Roosevelt Junior High School and Topeka High School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He graduated in 1949 from Washburn University, where he was a member of the Washburn Athletic Hall of Fame. He received a masters degree from Emporia State. Mr. Carlson taught at Colby High School (1949 to 1955), Capper Junior High School (1955 to 1963) and Seaman High School (1963 to 1983). He then was a substitute teacher at Seaman for many years. Mr. Carlson was a member of West Side Baptist Church. He married Frances Claire "Fran" Steele on June 21, 1946, at Topeka. She preceded him in death on July 12, 1981. Surviving are a daughter, Susan K. Merrifield and husband, Gary A., Topeka; a son, Ron L. Carlson and wife, K ellie M., Emporia; a sister, Jean L. Washburn, Topeka; a brother, Harold E. Carlson and wife, Katie, New Port Richey, Fla.; three grandchildren, Bryon K. Thomas and wife, Sydney, Olathe, Jay W. Carlson, Lawrence, and Lynsey L. Carlson, Lawrence; two nieces; and three nephews. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at West Side Baptist Church, 1008 S.W. 4th, Topeka. Burial will be in Rochester Cemetery. Mr. Carlson will lie in state after 2 p.m. Tuesday at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. The casket will remain closed at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Thomas O. Carlson Memorial Fund, in care of the Washburn University Athletic Fund, 1700 S.W. College, Topeka, Kan. 66621, or Seaman High School, 4850 N.W. Rochester Road, Topeka, Kan. 66617.