Obituaries

Missing you.

Mary and Family, Dr. Seuss wrote, "Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened." We hope you will eventually transform your sadness and grief into happy, loving memories of a man who touched the lives of many young people and gave much love and joy to those of us who were fortunate to be part of his family. We are with you in spirit as you grieve the loss of this remarkable man. With loving thoughts, ~ Jim and Judy Pratt, Overland Park, Kansas

Mary and Family, we are sorry to hear of your loss. We will remember you and the Family in our prayers. ~ CHARLES ALLEN, SHERMAN, Texas

Mary and family: I am celebrating the life of a good man and mourning his passing with you. What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to be part of his life as well as being a part of yours. GOD bless you all!! ~ Angie McClain RN

Dear Carlsons: Jack will be fondly remembered for a long time by both faculty and former students. He made long lasting contributions to Austin College and the History Department in particular and he will always be a part of our tradition. I am grateful to have known him and his ever lively mind. My deepest condolences Jackie Moore, Professor of History.

Dear John and Vicky and Mary, What a good full life we celebrate! I believe I knew Jack as well as I did any other person in my 35 years at AC. He was instrumental in my coming, and up until his retirement (and beyond) no week went by without something substantial going on between us. I cherished the mutual admiration between us and our ability to wallow in the Renaissance together. His commitment to the Heritage program infected me, and it seemed we both surely enjoyed the few debates we had over its direction; even more times, we joined to defend it with our backs against the wall. I can rerun my internal videos of the magisterial tone of his lectures, including the one I read from his manuscript one year when he was on sabbatical. Some of his colorful historical anecdotes are still useful to me, when I have a chance to explain early Europe. He was a kind, gentle, and considerate friend of my whole family, and my admiring friendship for him was delightfully extended in knowing the rest of his own family as well as I did; a real highlight of my one post-retirement visit to Sherman was the several long conversations Jack and I had then. My thoughts will stay with the family and Sherman friends, as we all live through our strong feeling of loss now. ~ Bill Moore, Brevard, North Carolina

John, sending our deepest condolences to you and Jean on the news of your father's passing! What a special man he was and he made such an impact wherever he lived and is obviously well respected! Love to you and Jean and including all of Carlson family in our prayers. ~ kristie and don Condry, dallas, Texas

So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Our hearts go out to you and your family along with our prayers. ~ Don & Sandy Koopmann

John and Vicky- I am sorry to hear of your dad's passing although I smile when I think of him being in Valhalla. I'm glad I was fortunate to speak with him briefly at this past Homecoming in the Pouch Club. Such a cool guy, so good-natured, wise and thoughtful and what a wonderful laugh. My dad always spoke fondly of him. I know you will miss your dad deeply, but his lively, generous, happy spirit lives on in both of you. ~ Eve Neidhardt, Sherman, Texas

My sincerest condolences to the Carlson family. I shall always remember Jack as a close friend and colleague of my late husband. ~ Anna Hinkle, Sherman, Texas

The worldwide Austin College community has lost a great man; his influence and good humor will live on in the hearts and minds of all Roos fortunate enough to have studied with him. - Katy Massingill Manck, AC '78 ~ Katy Manck, Gilmer, Texas

Losing a parent is never easy...even harder during this joyous time of the year....hugs to you and your wonderful family. A new star in heaven this Christmas season. Trudy and Steve ~ Trudy Kircher, Dubuque, Iowa

My condolences to the Carlson family. Dr. Carlson was a wonderful teacher and the epitome of a gentleman. His classes were challenging and allowed me to grow intellectually. My Jan term with Dr. Carlson in England in 1974 is a highlight of my AC years. When we would see each other around Sherman in later years, he always asked about my work and family. I shall always remember him fondly. ~ Mike Mitchusson, Sherman, Texas

Jack Carlson was a wonderful man and the best teacher I ever had. He was an inspiration and example to me as a scholar, mentor, and friend. Jack was a living embodiment of the "Christian humanism" about which he taught us. ~ Bruce McNab, Bozeman, Montana

John and Vicky, So sorry to hear of your father's passing. It's hard to imagine Austin College or the Grand Ave. Presbyterian Church without him. I can still remember when your family moved to Sherman and came by our house to say hello. I can remember the encouragement Jack Carlson gave me when he learned that I was about to leave for Georgia Tech in the 1970s. He always greeted me by name whenever and where ever we ran across each other in the years since then. I know you will miss him and so will I. ~ Peter Phillips, Leonard, Texas