Joseph William Carlson

Joseph William Carlson was born on October 19,1936 in Oak Harbor Washington. He passed away on May 29, 2021 in Provo, Utah.

He was the oldest son of Earl and Isabell Carlson. He was the big brother to Ray, Rod, LesLee and Teresa.

Joe grew up in Pocatello Idaho. He told stories of working in a diner washing dishes at eight years old, selling shoes and cars and meeting the love of his life working at the Chief theater.

He married Melba Jean Myers on April 2,1955. They celebrate their 66th anniversary this year. Immediately, following their marriage Joe and Melba left Idaho as Joe enlisted in the Navy and then reenlisted in the Marines to become a medical corpsman,

After his military service, they returned home to Idaho to begin pharmacy school. Joe graduated from ISU College of Pharmacy in 1961. He began a career with Merck as a drug rep and during his 25-year career was also a district manager, director of state government affairs and Director of US operations. Joe was recognized with a a lifetime achievement award from Idaho State for work he had done to promote childhood vaccination. He also established scholarship opportunities in his name and his father Earl's name at ISU.

Joe's retirement years included travel, mapping golf courses, time in Amish Country, golf tournaments and winters in the California sunshine. Joe and Melba enjoyed traveling together and as a family. They loved visiting Hawaii, and the Amish country in Pennsylvania. Favorite family places to visit were, Lake Powell, Yellowstone, Disneyland and any place we could take our trailers. Our annual family reunion takes place the first week of October and is affectionately called CCC (Carlson Conference Campout).

He is survived by his wife Melba, children Jojean (Sam) Wright, David (K'Ann) Carlson, Hollie Carlson. Steven (Teresa) Carlson. He is survived by 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, Rodney (Martha) Carlson, sisters LesLee (Dennis) Stoddard and Teresa (Randy)Merica.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 4 at 11:00 am at the Hillcrest 6th ward building. The address is 1035 S. 800 E Orem. A viewing will begin before the services at 9:45 am. Burial will be in the Orem City Cemetery with Military Honors.

A Live Broadcast of services may be viewed Friday, June 4, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at www.walkersanderson.com, where condolences and memories may be offered to the family.