Larry Gene Carlson

Larry Gene Carlson, 77 of Clinton, passed away on December 20, 2017.  He was born on March 23, 1940 in Clinton, IN to William Carlson and Mary Olive (Wallace) Carlson.
He loved attending Clinton High School, was very active, and graduated in 1958.  He graduated from Indiana State University with a BS in 1962, majored in social studies, and obtained his master’s degree from Indiana State in political science in 1966.
He took time out between his bachelor’s and master’s degrees to serve in the Navy for two years and was a member of the Naval Reserves for several years.
In subsequent years, he continued his education at St. Francis College, Ball State University, and Indiana State University and obtained degrees in counseling and school administration.   He taught social studies and history at Clinton High school and taught English and was yearbook sponsor at North Vermillion High School.  He then taught English at Wabash Jr. High School, before becoming a counselor, then an assistant principal.  His career also included serving as a middle school principal and assistant superintendent in the Tell City public schools, serving as the superintendent at South Harrison Community Schools in Corydon, IN, and returning in 1993 as South Vermillion Community Schools’ superintendent in Clinton until 1998.  He then served as Vermillion County Community Foundation director for two years.
If you knew Larry, you knew he loved antiques, landscaping, construction, restoration, and long drives in the country.  In addition, he built two new houses for Karen and him and helped friends and family members build theirs. Larry was also known as a story teller and always had a joke or humorous event to share. Larry loved people, and it was often said that he was a good listener.
Larry was an active member of the Clinton First United Methodist Church.  He served in many capacities, such as building ramps for the disabled, teaching adult Sunday school, and chairing various committees. He loved children and helped with Vacation Bible School for several years.
Other volunteer work included participating in the Real Men Read program for kindergarten students.   He led the Parke/Vermillion Retired Teachers Association and was a member of the Clinton Optimists Club and the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents.
Larry is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, Karen Ann Cox Carlson; son Patrick William and his wife Tonya of Greenfield, Indiana; daughter Beth Alaine Hibbard and her husband Daniel and two grandchildren, Maya and Kai, all of McKinney, Texas.  He is also survived by his sister Sharon Kay (Carlson) Frazier and by several nieces and nephews.  Preceding Larry in death was his sister Marilyn Jo (Carlson) Walters.  
Visitation will be at the Clinton First United Methodist Church, 310 S. Fourth St. on Wednesday, December 27, from 10:00am to 2:00 pm.  A celebration of Larry’s life will follow at 2:00pm
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clinton First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 186
or to the Vermillion County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 532, Clinton, Indiana 47842.  Online donations may be made at www.wicf-inc.org.  Online condolences may be made at www.fristfuneralhome.com.

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