Raymond F. Carlson

Raymond Franklin Carlson, 101, formerly of Clifton, died Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the Washington County Hospital, Washington, KS. A graveside funeral service was at 1 p.m., Sunday, October 19, 2014 at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Clyde, KS. Pastor Tom Sahl officiated. Military Honors were provided by the Linn American Legion, Linn. Raymond was born June 27, 1913 at Brantford, Washington County, Kansas, the son of Frank and Caroline (Holmquist) Carlson. Raymond was a farmer-stockman. He served three years as a bombsight mechanic in the Army Air Force; two and one half years of that time in Europe. He earned twelve Battle Stars and two Presidential Citations. Raymond was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, past member of the Disabled American Veterans, Clay Center, VFW, Washington and the American Legion, Linn. He served as a Republican Representative of the 96th District, for twenty-two years. Raymond served on the House, Ways and Means Committee and introduced a money bill. He was instrumental in funding a library for Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS. Even though he was retired from public service, he maintained an active role in Kansas politics. On December 13, 1954, Raymond was united in marriage to Ethel Laurel Lewis at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Topeka. She preceded him in death on February 27, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Floyd Carlson, Alvin Carlson; and sister, Elnora Martin. Survivors include a sister, Edna Corwin, Kansas City, KS; and several nieces and nephews. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raymond F. Carlson, please visit our flower store.