- Date Of Birth: April 3, 1925
- Date Of Death: January 18, 2019
- State: Illinois
Paul Vernon Carlson, 93, of Ottawa died Friday, January 18, 2019, at the Mendota Lutheran Home. Paul was born on April 3, 1925, in Washington, D.C. to Elmer and Clara Carlson.
He was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the 39th infantry in WWII. He received the Bronze Star, Euro African Medal, D-day Commemorative Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. He re-enlisted following the war and retired as a 1st Sgt. He was employed as a meat cutter at the Hoxsey Store in Wedron, and later at the Joliet Arsenal, until his retirement. Paul was a member of the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Ottawa and the Ottawa VFW.
He is survived by one daughter, Paula Rae (John A.) Speed of Marseilles, and one granddaughter, Laura Rae Burns of Chicago. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ermel Foley Quinn Carlson in 1955; his father, Elmer M. Carlson, and step-mother, Margaret H. Carlson.
