Born February 6, 1929 in DuBois, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Charles Leo Carlson and Margaret E. Hollenbeck Carlson.

Mr. Carlson was a Machinist for Wise Machine Inc. for 38 years of service, retiring in June 1993. Previous to that he worked for the B & O Railroad Company for 9 years. He was a member of Community Alliance Church. Mr. Carlson was a former chairman of the Summit Township Water Authority, and a member of the Zoning Hearing Board for Summit Township. Charlie enjoyed painting, church involvements, lawn care, and outdoor activities. Mr. Carlson enjoyed life to its fullest.

Mr. Carlson is survived by his wife, Dorothy A. "Dot" Carlson, whom he married on June 4, 1950; a son, Danny Lee Carlson of Kittanning, Pennsylvania; a daughter, Ellen Marie Shields and her husband, John A. of Fishersville, Virginia; one granddaughter, Heather Walton and her husband, Thomas of Crozet, Virginia; one great granddaughter Gracie Walton; two chosen daughters, Nikki Ellenberger and her husband, Don,and son Timothy; and Judy O'Donnell and her husband, Gary; two sister-in-laws, Mrs. Lorraine Carlson of Butler, and Mrs. Joyce Carlson of DuBois; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Carlson was preceded in death by one brother.

Friends will be received at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 East North Street, Butler, Pennsylvania on Thursday, December 17, 2009 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Services will be held at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home on Friday, December 18 at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Dennis L. Krajacic of Community Alliance Church officiating. Interment will follow in Butler County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Community Alliance Church Building Fund, 800 Mercer Road, Butler, Pennsylvania 16001.