David M. "Dave" Carson passed away from lung cancer on January 27, 2021. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on November 28, 1948. Dave graduated in Hillcrest High School's class of 1966 and from (then) School of the Ozarks in 1970, where he was a proud member of Beacon Hill Theatre. He received his master's degree in technical theatre from (then) Southwest Missouri State University in 1978, where he was involved in Tent Theatre.

He pursued a variety of interests throughout his life, including becoming a master gardener, a ballroom dance instructor, and even tried his hand at "the great American novel." He ultimately became a member of Carpenters Local 978. After retirement he developed interests in golf, Asian cooking (with mixed results), and Hawaiian shirts. He never lost his love for football, the French horn, Neil Diamond, or his intense loathing of country music.

Dave was preceded in death by his father, Lyle V. Carson, Sr.; mother, Grace S. Carson; sister, Grace Elizabeth "Libby" Stone; brother, Lyle Vern Carson, Jr.; and beloved grandmother, Ollie E. Smith. He is survived by his sisters, Alyce Cathryn "Cathy" Maule and Mildred Suzanne "Suzy" Douglass; his children, Rachael Carson (Brian Fowler), Patrick Carson (Sheri), Erin Carson, and Jennifer Carson; and his former wife, Gay Cope Carson.

No service is planned at this time.  Cremation was under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home Crane, MO.