Charles L. Carson of Denton, Tx passed away on April 11, 2015. We was born September 8, 1930 in Boonesville, TX to E.W. "Kit" and Othello Jones Carson. He grew up in Greenwood, Texas, attended Slidell High School and University of North Texas. He married Moleana Mason Carson on April 4, 1950 and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. "Charlie" retired with over 50 years of service with the Texas Department of Transportation Engineering Dept. at age 80. He raised longhorns and operated the Carson Cattle Co. He is a 50-year member and Past Worshipful Master of Decatur Masonic Lodge 447, Shriner (Moslah Temple), and Decatur OES #543 Past Worth Patron.

Charles loved traveling throughout the US with family to historic and presidential sites and nature areas. He loved stories both telling them and listening to others. He collected common and uncommon items from coins to presidential campaign buttons of losing candidates. He organized creative activities including the annual Carson Cookout in Greenwood and "Run for the Wildflowers" horse race during a Keep Texas Beautiful Conference. He loved flowers especially wildflowers. He took extraordinary pride in his family more than they will ever know.

He is survived by his wife Moleana, daughter Dr. Linda Schertz of Gainesville, son Tom Carson of Gainesville, daughter Cecile Carson of Denton, daughter-in-law Shelley Carson of Gainesville, and son-in-law Terry Schertz of Gainesville, grandchildren Rhys Carson and wife Claudia of Dallas, Cole Carson, Kenzie Pringle, Kendra Pringle, Eric Schertz, and Nicole Schertz. Survived by brothers-in-law Robert "Bob" Mason and Charles Mason both of Denton and Dean Mason of Ponder. Nieces and nephews Delia Mason Weis and husband Richard, Shari Mason, and Greg Mason. Cousins J.E. Carson and wife Betty of Decatur, Cecil Carson Jr. and wife Earlene of Irving, Carol Ann Carson of Decatur, John Carson, Carolyn Sue Duckworth Fix of Leonard, Tx, Jimmie Duckworth of Grand Prairie. Extended family members DeeDee Covington, Diana Ochoa, Ann Powell, and Stormi Godbey ("Charle's Angels"). He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Dr. Randy Sluder, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lois Mason and Kenneth Slayton, sister-in-law Jean Mason, cousin Billie Jean Duckworth, nephew Michael Mason, his beloved pet cat "Front."

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Keep Texas Beautiful and Sacred Heart Catholic School of Muenster. Charles would recommend give someone a hug, hold hands with a loved one, say Hiddy to a stranger and smile.

Visitation will Tuesday, April 14, 2015 6-8 pm. Services will be Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 3 pm at DeBerry Funeral Home with Internment at Plainview Cemetery. Thanks to Vitas Hospice and Heaven at Home.