John Charles "JC" Carlson, 75, Springfield, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2015 in his home with his wife, Carol, by his side. He was born August 10, 1940 in Visalia, California, the son of the late John A. and Edith (Shelton) Carlson. He graduated from Republic High School in 1958 and was a graduate of Drury College. JC served his country in the United States Navy. During the Kennedy and Castro era he was stationed on a naval vessel near Cuba during the "Bay of Pigs". He was a proud servant of this country at a critical time in its' history. JC went on to become part of the executive team with Zenith Corporation as the Human Resource Director and Union Negotiator. Actively involved in the community he served on numerous not for profit boards but had a passion for one in particular, The Salvation Army. JC's desire to live a full life brought about world wide travel to explore the wonderful diversities of life. His skiing adventures took him to South America, Canada, New Zealand and Switzerland. His love of golf always took a front seat when he could get with his buddies for his regularly scheduled Tuesday outings. He had undivided loyalty to friends and family. Those who knew him, knew him as a friend that would always be there. JC is survived by his loving wife, Carol Anne (Conway) Carlson; two sons, Major Mark Van Gelder and his wife, Amanda and Scott Van Gelder; two grandchildren, Julia and Robert Van Gelder; a brother and his wife, Donald and Phyllis Carlson; a sister and her husband, Carol and Kurt Bock; four nieces and nephews, Natalie Allen, Christine Keller, Jonathan Bock and Rebecca Bock; brother-in-law and his wife, John and Pauline Conway; and many aunt, uncles, cousins and friends too numerous to list. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2015 in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial with full military honors will follow in Delaware Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 1707 West Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO 65802.
