May 15, 1913 – October 8, 2009

Culver resident Floyd Earnest Carlson died Oct. 8, 2009, at the age of 96.

Mr. Carlson was born May 15, 1913, the eldest child to Earnest and Augusta (Nelson) Carlson in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He attended New Sweden grade school, then high school in Shelly, Idaho. In his youth, he was an avid baseball player, loved horses, and was a champion marksman.

He married Louise M. Meppen, and together they raised seven children. They were married for 72 years.

In 1950, the Carlsons moved from Idaho to Culver, Oregon and operated the family farm until 1976. Mr. Carlson was the last surviving founder of Round Butte Seed Growers in Culver.

He served on many boards, including Jefferson County Education Service District, Culver School Board, and the U.S. Potato Board.

He and his wife traveled, gardened, and enjoyed their grand- and great-grand- children, and attending their activities. He was a lifelong fisherman, hunter and an avid reader.

Survivors include his children and their spouses, Merle and Mary Louise Carlson of Clarkston, WA, Myrna Rowe of Pasco, WA, Steve and Peggy Carlson of Prineville, Jerry and Barbara Carlson of Raleigh, NC, DeeAnn and Tony Amstad of Hermiston, Jane and Keith Thompson of The Dalles, and Jim and Mary Carlson of Culver; a sister, Florence Hall; and 56 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise, who passed away Oct. 8, 2008, exactly one year before him; his parents; and his brothers, Kenneth, Vaughn, and Marvin Carlson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 12, at Culver Christian Church, followed by burial at Mount Jefferson Memorial Park Cemetery in Madras. Memorial contributions have been suggested to the Culver FFA Alumni Scholarship Fund, 7278 SW Deschutes Drive, Culver, OR 97734.

Floyd Carlson