Earl Dean Carlson

Earl D. Carlson, age 92, of Elsmore, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Moran Manor in Moran, Kansas.

Earl Dean Carlson was born on October 3, 1933, on the family farm west of Elsmore, Kansas, the son of Oscar Frank and Signild Marie (Nielson) Carlson. His parents were immigrants from Sweden, making Earl a first-generation American. His father, Oscar, came to America in 1906 and later returned to Sweden, where he met and married Earl's mother, Signild. Together, they brought their family to America, first settling in Burdick, Kansas, before eventually making their way to the Elsmore area. The family made the journey by wagon drawn by horses, beginning the Carlson family's long history in the Elsmore community.

Earl was raised on the family farm alongside his seven siblings, Elsie, Edward, Esther, Evalyn, Ellen, Ernest and Elaine. From an early age, farming was simply a part of life. As a young boy, Earl helped plant and harvest broom corn, which was an important cash crop in the area at the time. The lessons he learned growing up on the farm stayed with him throughout his life. Earl was an avid farmer who loved working the land, but his green thumb extended beyond the fields as well. He also enjoyed gardening and took pride in growing and caring for the things he planted. He continued the farming tradition as he grew older, eventually teaching his own children many of the same values and skills he had learned from his parents.

Earl attended the Old Elsmore Country School before continuing his education at Elsmore High School. He excelled in basketball during his high school years and was talented enough to go on to play on a state team. After graduating high school, Earl proudly served his country in the United States Army from November 2, 1954, until October 24, 1956. Following his military service, he attended Neosho County Junior College from the spring of 1957 through the fall of 1958.

Earl was united in marriage to Myrna Beth Thompson - Munson in 1957, and their marriage was blessed with six children, Marlene, Lucinda, Annette, Craig, Tammy, and Tracy. Being a father was one of the most important roles in Earl's life. His children would describe him as strict and attentive, but always with the best intentions and a genuine desire to teach them right from wrong. He never did or said anything with the intention of causing harm and always strived to do the best he could for his family. He taught his children the importance of hard work, responsibility, and teamwork. In the Carlson household, teamwork meant that if one child got into trouble, everyone might as well get ready to join them, because nobody was getting off that easily.

Alongside farming, Earl worked for the Chanute Manufacturing for 33 years. His work ethic was something that defined him. Each morning, Earl would leave Elsmore at 4:30 a.m. so he could arrive in Chanute by 6:00 a.m. He allowed himself extra time in case he happened to have a flat tire along the way. Earl was a very hard worker, and those who knew him knew he was dependable. He was never late and never called in. He believed in showing up, doing the job, and doing it right.

Earl was a faithful member of the Elsmore United Methodist Church, where his faith was an important part of his life. He was a member of the Pittsburg Sirna, and a member of the Scottish Rite in Fort Scott. He was also a member of the Virginia Lodge #315 A. F. A. M. in Savonburg. He was a Life Member of the American Legion in Moran and a Life Member of the VFW Post in Chanute. Through his faith, military service, and community involvement, Earl remained committed to the people and organizations that meant so much to him.

Earl's love of family, however, was never limited to providing for them. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of time spent together and was always ready for a game of Pitch.

As Earl became a grandfather, his children noticed a softer side of him emerge. They describe seeing a great change for the better as he entered this new chapter of his life. Earl became softer in the best way, taking great joy in his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandson and making sure he did not miss the moments that mattered. The man who had once been the strict and attentive father became a loving and attentive grandfather who treasured the opportunity to watch another generation grow.

Earl was not only known as "Grandpa" by his family. To those who knew him throughout the local communities and beyond, Earl was simply Grandpa. He had a way of making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and like they were part of the family, regardless of whether they were related by blood.

Earl loved spreading kindness and staying connected with those around him. Facebook became his favorite way to keep up with everyone, where he could be found liking and commenting on nearly every post. Through his genuine interest and simple acts of kindness, Earl made people feel remembered, valued, and like family.

Earl also enjoyed his time with the coffee group at the Elsmore Community Building, where good coffee and good conversation were always on the menu. He enjoyed catching up on the latest local happenings, swapping stories, and talking about hunting and fishing. It was the friendships and fellowship that mattered most to Earl, and through these mornings together, he made many friends and became a familiar and welcomed part of the group.

Earl was a farmer at heart. He loved the land, the work, and the way of life that had been passed down to him from his parents. He carried those traditions forward and shared them with his children, teaching them that hard work, perseverance, and working together were valuable lessons that could carry them through life. His faith, family, farming, gardening, and the fun he found in life were all important parts of who he was.

Earl is survived by his children, Marlene and husband Tom Braker, Lucinda Longergan, Annette and husband Steve Kyser, Craig and wife Missy Carlson, Tammy and husband Ozzie Perez, and Tracy and husband Doug Altic; Grandchildren, Emily, Erica, Jere, Jeff, Justin, Jena, Kimberly, Amanda, Ashley, Elizabeth, Elisha, Andy, Kyle, Aubree, Abby, Brittany, Tanner, Karson, Kamryn, Mike, Katie, Ryan, and Molly; Great-grandchildren, Miles, Noah, Charlotte, Jerah, Joshua, Gabe, Leah, Lydia, Luke, Max, Madilyn, Riley, Reece, Miken, Jaxton, Weston, Charlie, Nora, Georgie, Parker, Nash, Kershaw, Kova, Kaxin, Xaylee and a little girl on the way.; Great-Great grandchild Jude.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Frank and Signild Marie (Nielson) Carlson; his siblings, Edward, Ernest, Evalyn, Elaine, Elsie, Esther, and Ellen; one grandchild, Jeremy Braker; and son-in-law Pat Longergan.

Earl will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his love of farming and gardening, his devotion to his family, his service to his country, his deep faith, and the many lessons he passed down through generations. He lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and community, leaving behind a legacy that will continue through the family he loved so dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the Elsmore United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Elsmore Cemetery with Masonic and Military Honors.

Visitation with the family will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Elsmore United Methodist Church or The Virginia Lodge #315 and may be left in care of Feuerborn Family Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.