William Carson

William Ernest Carson Friend to all, loving husband, Mister Social, joke teller, epic cusser, and a gentle man: William Ernest Carson, 74, of Waterville, died peacefully in his sleep on December 7, 2018, after a long illness and a life filled with love, laughter and great adventures. Bill was born on October 3, 1944 to Leon and Mary (Church) Carson. He attended numerous schools in his childhood, from northern Michigan to the Florida Panhandle, receiving his diploma in 1963 from Onsted High School, Onsted, MI. Bill also attended Metropolitan State College and Wayne State University. He proudly served his country in Vietnam 19681969, working as an M.P. on the road squad with the 504th Military Police Battalion, stationed near An Khe. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor, as well as the Army Commendation Medal. Upon returning home, he moved to Golden, Colorado where he joined the Jefferson County Sheriffs Department as a deputy sheriff. During his 6 years with Jeffco, he spent 3 years running the training division and was proud of raising the training academy to state certification, only the second to achieve that distinction in the state. In 1976, Bill and his young family returned to his home state of Michigan, where he worked for General Motors, retiring in 2008 from the Toledo Powertrain Plant. A jack of all trades, Bill also worked as a semi driver for Roehl Transportation, co-owned a home improvement company and ended his working career as a driver for TESCO in Oregon, Ohio, delivering busses nationwide. In the last few years he took comfort in the camaraderie with his friends of the American Legion Post 320 in Maumee, Ohio. In 2002, Bill married the love of his life, Martha Stephens. They met late in life and had one helluva ride, enjoying fine dining, downhill skiing, travel, and the company of many wonderful friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and young sister, Patricia. He leaves behind his wife of 16 years, Martha Marty Carson; beloved daughters, Kelly (Bob) Thomassen, and Kristi (Nathan) Sorrell; son, Wade (Jennifer) Carson; grandchildren, Katt, Kennedy, and Ian Anwiler, Mac Carson, Haley Moore, Adriana Sorrell and Zander Sorrell. Also surviving are sisters, Neoma (Tyrone Murray) Cowell, Nancy Carson and Peg (Norm) Walter; nieces, nephews, many friends; and faithful companions, Tess, CJ, and Mocha. Visitation will held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 14 at Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, Trilby at 3219 Tremainsville Road, Toledo. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 15 at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Heartfelt thanks to Bills many friends and to the caring staff of Hospice of Northwest Ohio, especially his nurse, Lisa. Donations in Bills memory are suggested to Hospice of NW Ohio, or to Golden Retriever Rescue Resource.