Ted Carlson, age 81, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
He was born on August 6, 1943, in McPherson, KS. Ted was the son of the late Hugo Theordore and Mertie Neel Carlson. Ted lived a life marked by dedication, kindness, and a strong sense of purpose in daily Christian living.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Wichita State University, which laid the groundwork for a fulfilling career in the United States Air Force. His professional journey was complemented by a sense of duty, as he proudly embodied the values of service and commitment. Ted served as 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and was enlisted 6 years as an Electrical Engineer. Ted first started his service at Tinker AFB working on aircraft and became one of the key engineers working the B-52 Autopilot System. He then transferred to Kelly AFB, where he served as an officer under the Air Force Security Service as 1st Lieutenant. Ted also served with the Operational Test & Evaluation team where he tested new aircraft systems to be fully operational along with maintaining current systems. Ted transferred back to Tinker AFB, where he selected CCTV products for Air Force Surveillance and Monitoring systems and was greatly praised for his efforts, improving the CCTV Logistic Support Plans and to have consistently generated constructive AFCS engineering response beyond that they experienced in the past. The goodwill he built with AFCS counterparts was invaluable.
Ted’s life was also enriched through his deep faith and involvement in his Christian fellowship. His first years of college where at Oklahoma Christian College where he made lasting memories that reflected his enduring spirit of service and love for others. His passions extended beyond the church; he was an avid traveler, always seeking to explore new horizons. He traveled on several mission trips including Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and France. He cherished the moments spent in Christian fellowship and in sport activities where he excelled in football, tennis, Ping-Pong, and even the art of fencing, showcasing a competitive yet joyful spirit. Ted was also known for his exceptional skills as a chess player, often engaging friends and family in thoughtful games. Before college and the Air Force, Ted was raised in rural central Kansas. He grew up on a 160-acre farm that was originally homesteaded by his paternal grandparents who emigrated from Sweden. His father, Hugo Carlson, immersed him in farm life, and he learned many lifetime skills from working the fields, tending livestock, maintaining the yard, and daily tasks required to keep the farm running smoothly. Ted’s family life was the utmost importance to him, keeping God and faith in the center of it all. He was happily married to his blessing of a wife, Sherry, for 43 years. Their family was built with the Christian faith as the backbone of their marriage. They consistently devoted their time to the Church and the Church, always gave back. This devotion even expanded outside of the Church into helping others in need. He was very blessed to have a solid community of Christian friends around him that in turn helped when he needed. His family life became the primary focus for the rest of his life. He would dedicate his time to being a proper father for his son, Eric. Raising him in the right direction where he loved to see his son excel with pride and passion in the things he did. Just like his dad. At home, Ted loved to read and eat. Food was never short at the Carlson residence. His electrical engineering background also helped out with Jackson award winning Christmas lights and decorations around the house.
Ted was loved by many at the local church community with North Jackson Church of Christ.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Sherry Carlson; his son, Eric Carlson; and his sister, Jaynelle Pfeifer, also with his nieces Freyja (Travis) Lauritsen and Somer (Matt) Heim along with six great nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Michael McDaniel and his wife Martha McDaniel, along with nephew Ryan McDaniel and niece Kayla McDaniel.
SERVICES: A funeral service to celebrate Ted’s life will be held on Monday October 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at North Jackson church of Christ, with David Looney, and Michael McDaniel officiating. Burial will follow in the West Tennessee Veteran Cemetery at Parkers Crossroads with a 1:30 p.m. committal service.
The family will be receiving friends and family on Sunday, October 6, 2024, beginning at 4:00 p.m. and continuing until 6:00 p.m. at Arrington Funeral Directors and on Monday, October 7, 2024, at North Jackson Church of Christ from 10:00 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m.
The family is requesting that memorial contributions be directed to the Phillips Street church of Christ, Attention: Elders, 912 Phillips Street, Dyersburg, TN 38024 for A Bible Answers program.
Ted Carlson will be remembered for his gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and the warmth he brought to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will undoubtedly live on through the many lives he touched and the love he shared with his family and friends.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, Tennessee 38305 731.668.1111
