James R. (Pete) Carson

FUNERAL SERVICES: Friday, January 23rd at 11:00 am in Harrell Memorial Chapel.

VISITATION: Friday morning one hour before service time.

INTERMENT: Toliver Cemetery near Lamkin, Texas.

James R. (Pete) Carson was born on March 20, 1914 to Tommie Mack Carson and Ethel O. (Thedford) Carson. He went to be with his LORD on January 21, 2015 at the age of 100. Pete spent most of his early life in the Carlton and Lamkin communities. Times were hard in the early years and at 9 years of age, Pete was hired by a neighbor on his first job to plow and to milk cows, earning 75 cents a day. When he was 12 years old, he paid $7 for his first car, a Model T Ford with a canvas top and side curtains. As a youth, he enjoyed fishing and hunting with his 13 siblings. Pete had many fish stories to tell about some of his prize catches, including one in which his dog, Blackie helped him capture a 35-pound catfish. In addition to farming and ranching, Pete also worked on a dairy farm and harvested crops in West Texas, worked as a carpenter, and on construction projects at other locations. He also worked in Comanche County (Precinct 3) on a road crew for several years. Pete was first married to Vera Stockham, who was the mother of his three surviving daughters and an infant son who died on April 18, 1937. On January 25, 1964, Pete and Etoyle Taylor Cropper were united in marriage in Center City, Texas, officiated by Thomas M. Mitchell. Pete and Etoyle resided in the Lamkin community during their 46 years of marriage. Pete resided in Dove Hill Care Center in Hamilton, Texas for about 8 years. In spite of declining health, Pete never lost his sense of humor and usually had some humorous stories to share. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Pete is survived by his three daughters and sons-in-law, Janice & Glen Sain of Quitman, Texas; Golda & James Bowen of Quitman, Texas; and Gloria & Byron Tucker of Irving, Texas. He is also survived by a step-daugther, Betty McCrum and husband, Everett of Brownwood, Texas. Seven grandchildren: Brenda Wesson, Randy Sain, Tony Bowen,Tracy Bowen, Lisa Lopez, Tina Carlson, April Howell, and a step-grandchild, Terri Croft. There are 15 surving great grandchildren, 2 step-great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Of Pete’s 13 siblings, he is survived by 2 brothers, Clinton Udell (Dooter), and Tommie Mack (Junior) and wife, Verda of Lamkin, Texas and many nieces and nephews. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, both wives, and infant son, Robert Ruth Carson, and a step-son, Billy Cropper and 7 brothers, Marshall Lynton Carson, William Yeoman (Dink) Carson, Cayle Hoyet (Doomie) Carson, Cloyce Dale (Cooter) Carson, Mack Olen Carson, Charles Raymond Carson and Herman Gibson Carson. Three sisters, Brooksie Hardenia (Sissie) Parker, Lucy May Thedford, Billie Tom Lester and Lura Marie Gailley. The family wishes to express appreciation to Dr. Luke Killian for the loving care he extended to Pete during the past 9 years. Appreciation is also extended to Pete’s loyal and faithful friends, Lonnie and Pam Raymond of Duncanville, Texas and to Sandra McCrobie of Hamilton, Texas.