J. Oliver Carson

J. Oliver Carson, of Stratford, died December 22 at Connecticut Hospice, Branford.

He is survived by a son, David M. Carson and his wife, Rosemary, of Newtown.

Mr Carson was born in Oakdale, Ill., and held degrees from Southern Illinois University, Peabody College, and Teachers College at Columbia University. He held teaching and administrative positions in Illinois; West Georgia College in Carrolton, Ga.; Abington Township Schools in Abington, Penn.; and for 27 years at Stratford, retiring in 1978 as deputy superintendent.

 Mr Carson initiated and coordinated the planning that led to the founding of Housatonic Community Technical College. He served on its Regional Advisory Committee from its inception until 1996, and at various times on its Scholarship, Curriculum, and Site Selection Committees.

Mr Carson was awarded the first merit award given at Housatonic by the State Board of Trustees for extraordinary service to the college. He was a life-member of the National Education Association, the Connecticut Retired Teachers Association, and a member of many other national and state educational organizations. J. Oliver Carson was a member of the Stratford Historical Society and the Stratford United Methodist Church, where he served in many of its offices and boards. As church historian since 1981, he authored a 240-page history of the church for its bicentennial observance in 1990, along with many articles dealing with historical aspects of the church. He also set up and implemented the church’s archival system.

Predeceased by his wife, Doris B. Carson, Mr Carson is survived by his other sons, John F. Carson and his wife, Sharon, of North Canton, Ohio, and James M. Carson of Mays Landing, N.J.; two granddaughters, Mrs Janeanne Allard of Somers, and Mrs Lori Rogers of Branford; and five great-grandchildren, Brianna and Jessica Allard, and Abigail, Edmund, and Spencer Rogers.

A memorial service will be held on January 13 at 10 am in the Stratford United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice of Branford.

The Newtown Bee      December 29, 2000