Richard Carson, Jr., age 79, beloved husband of Dorothy, of O'Fallon, born August 28, 1927 in Caseyville Township, IL, passed away Thursday evening, September 28, 2006.

Richard was born to Richard A. and Flossie M. (nee Cawvey) Carson. He married Dorothy I. Stoeckel on February 23, 1949 at St. James Church, Millstadt, IL. Mr. Carson was a veteran of the US Army and served in Korea. He worked as a Finishing Mill Roller with Spectralite and retired in 1989. He also served as a Foreman at St. Ellen Mine, was a member of the Knights of Columbus O'Fallon Council #4239 and St. Nicholas Catholic Church. Richard was a charter member of the O'Fallon Sportsmens Club and was a committeeman for many years for the O'Fallon Republic Precinct. He was an avid golfer and gardener, a was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Mr. Carson was preceded in death by his parents, his son Michael Carson, stepmother Helen Carson, grandson John Carson, and sister Sarah F. Grab.

He is survived by his wife, of 57 years, Dorothy; sons Richard J. (Christy) Carson, Jr. of O'Fallon, Eric N. (Jennifer) Carson of San Antonio, TX; daughters Dianne C. (Danny) Worthen of Belleville, Donna L. (Dennis) Vasquez, of Columbia, IL; daughter-in-law, Linda G. Carson of Belleville; Grandchildren Danny L. (Rebecca) Worthen, Julie L. (Jason) Davinroy, Nicholas R. (fiance, Tessa) Carson, Eric N. Carson, Jr., Brian E. (Misty) Carson, Denise L. (Robert) Korves, David L. Goedecke, Danielle L. Goedecke, Dorothy L. Vasquez, Dennis L. Vasquez, Adrienne R. (Nathaniel) Gotsch, Melanie R. Carson; great-grandchildren, Ayla B. Carson, Andrew J. Worthen, Daniel R. Gotsch, Isabella M. Gotsch, and step-grandchildren, Marty Swope, Randy Swope, Faith Clark, Jill Mills, Chad Vasquez, and Dana McClane.

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be,
so he put his arms around you and whispered, "Come with me."
With tearful eyes I watched you suffer, and saw you fading away,
although I loved you dearly I could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, working hands were put to rest.
God broke my heart to prove to me, He only takes the best.

Memorial Donations may be made in the name of Richard Carson, Jr. to St. Nicholas Catholic Church or in the form of masses or to the family.

Friends may call 4:00 - 8:00 pm, Sunday, October 1, 2006 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 pm, Monday, October 2, 2006 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church.

Interment with military honors will be at O'Fallon City Cemetery.