Fred L. Carson, 83, of State College, died Saturday, November 15, 2008, at Mt. Nittany Medical Center at State College.
He was born February 7, 1925, at State College, a son of the late Harry P. and Edna Mae Leitzel Carson.
On July 26, 1947, he married the former Isabel A. Hummel who preceded him in death December 17, 1991.
Early in life Mr. Carson worked for Hoy transfer, Claster's and for Pierce Milk Company. In 1956, he started his own disposal company, known as Fred Carson Disposal Service in State College, a company he operated with the help of family and employees until his death.
Fred graduated from State College High School and served in the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II, from his induction on April 20, 1943, until his honorable discharge on Iwo Jima Island on November 25, 1945. He served on the B-79 Super Fortune all through North Africa, India, China and Burma, as well as islands in the South Pacific, Iwo Jima. He also flew through the Himalayas from India to China, known as "The Burma Hump" considered to be some of the most dangerous flying in the world. He served with the 770th Bomb Squad 462nd Bomb Group, 20th AF, earning a good conduct medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, an American Theater Service Medal an Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Service Medal with 5 Bronze Stars, and a World War II Victory Medal. He qualified as a Carbine Sharpshooter in 1944.
He was a life member of American Legion Post 245 and the Veteran's of Foreign Wars in State College.
Mr. Carson is survived by his daughter Beverly Carson Daniels and her husband James of Higganum, CT., and son Fred "Jack" Carson and his wife Marlene of Centre Hall; three grandchildren, John Elder, Richard Carson and Benjamin Daniels; four great grandchildren, Dakotah, Montana, Hannah and Hayleah; and one brother Roy Carson and his wife Vera of Port Matilda.
In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by five siblings; Virginia Richards, Harry Carson, Gates Carson, Tressie Tate and Betty Frymouth.
Friends will be received from 6 - 8 p. m. on Thursday, November 20, 2008, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA. Private funeral services and entombment will be at the convenience of the family at Centre County Memorial Park, 1032 Benner Pike, State College, PA
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 123 S. Sparks St., State College, PA 16801.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com