David Carlson

David R. Carlson, AKA Carly, Deacon, Deac, age 80, of Portland passed away Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. 

He was born in Cincinnati on June 22, 1945, the son of Richard and Bertha (Bohl) Carlson. He married Sally Beard on Nov. 5, 1967, and she survives.

David helped run Western Auto with his family and was in sales and management. He was a 1963 Portland High School graduate. He attended University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He was in the Komets Drum and Bugle Corp and played Taps for numerous funerals. 

He was in the United States Marine Corp and had a Tour of Duty in Vietnam. He was a sergeant and was honorably discharged. He helped countless homeless people in need whenever it occurred.

Surviving are his wife Sally Carlson of Portland; three nieces, Lora Jefferson, Jeana Clayton (husband: David) and Sheila Tyndall; and one great-niece, Kenzie Clayton. 

He was preceded in death by sisters and brothers-in-laws Donna and Jim Tyndall and Judith and Rick Knight.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 4,at 1 p.m. in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Hugh Kelly presiding. Burial will follow in the Green Park Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post #211. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Memorials can be made to Northwestern Memorial Foundation, Jay County Humane Society, Museum of the Soldier and Jay County Historical Society.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.