Donald Carlson, Sr.

Donald Boyd Carlson, Sr., 76, of Merryville, LA, passed from this life on Thursday, August 17, 2023.

Donald Carlson, Sr. was born on December 20, 1946 in Tarboro, NC. He joined the U.S. Navy after completing high school and during his time in the U. S. Navy, he met the love of his life, Judy Spence Carlson. When his term in the Navy was complete, he began his career in the papermaking industry at Champion Paper in Roanoke Rapides, NC. In 1969, he relocated to DeRidder, LA, where he became part of the startup team for Boise Southern, now known as PCA. He retired in 2014, after forty-five years of service and was one of the last remaining operators that were present when the DeRidder mill staked its roots in Beauregard Parish. It has been said, that if you love what you do, it is never really work and Donald loved making paper. Outside of making paper, Donald was also passionate about the outdoors and woodworking. He loved to hunt, fish and would spend countless hours completing woodworking projects for family and friends. Donald was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and served on the Vestry.

Donald is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Judy Carlson of Merryville, LA; sister, Mary Lou Phelps of Thomasville, NC; sons, Donald Carlson, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Cristy Carlson of Singer, LA, Anthony Carlson and daughter-in-law, Tamela Carlson of Rosepine, LA; grandchildren, Corey Carlson, Colby Carlson, Craig Carlson, Brandon Carlson, Jada Eaves and Katelyn Carlson; eleven great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Marie and Thomas Carlson of Roanoke Rapides, NC and his brother, Joe Carlson of Kentucky.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM, Thursday, August 24, 2023 at Trinity Episcopal Church in DeRidder, LA. Father James Lueckenhoff will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Corey Carlson, Craig Carlson, Brandon Carlson, Eric Deason, Erik Churchman, Rick Atterberry, Dude Breaux, Lee Price. Burial will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center.