WWII veteran Robert H. “Bob” Carlson, of Williamsburg, died Jan. 2, 2015, at the age of 94.
Bob was born in Springfield, Massachusetts and lived most of his young life in the West Haven, Connecticut area. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and saw service in the Pacific as well as with the 2nd Infantry (Indianhead) Division in Europe. Before leaving for Europe, he married Shirley Prentiss, of West Haven.
He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his combat service, and later returned to New Haven where he utilized the G.I. Bill to pursue his education at Yale University. He graduated in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Bob subsequently joined the Central Intelligence Agency and moved to Washington.
The family enjoyed three tours of duty in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait before his retirement to Williamsburg in 1970. In his retirement years, Bob enjoyed oil painting, listening to music, gardening and yard work and was an avid reader of historical novels.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Shirley; their daughter, Joanne Ferguson, of Snow Camp, North Carolina and her husband, Steve; daughter, Kristin Reed, of Williamsburg and her husband, Dave; son, Donald Carlson, of Culpeper, Virginia and Shirley’s daughter, Maryann Doughan-Davies, of Madison, Connecticut and her husband, Ken Davies; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
In lieu of a memorial service or flowers, the family requests memorial contribution be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
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