Mr. Duane William Carlson

Duane William Carlson, 91, husband of Andrea Perri Carlson, of Walhalla, SC, passed away peacefully at Oconee Memorial Hospital on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Born May 6, 1933, in Olean, NY, Duane was the youngest son of the late Harry and Nelma Ottelia Carlson. He served 24 years in the United States Air Force. His career included assignments in France, Spain, Thailand, and 3 bases in the United States. In Thailand he served with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing during the famous Operation Bolo in 1967 during the Vietnam war. He later served with the Strategic Air Command in Omaha, Nebraska and flew on the airborne command post during Operation Looking Glass. His last assignment with the United States Readiness Command at Macdill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida where he retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. After retiring from the military, Duane worked briefly for the US Post Office and as a manager for a chain of McDonalds restaurants. Eventually he settled into his 2nd career when he purchased land, hand built over 30 stalls, and ran a successful horse boarding stable. For many years the Lucky ‘C’ Stables was a Port Tampa landmark and included several horses owned by the family. He eventually sold the stable, moved to Bushnell, FL, and built a farm that included horses and cattle. In Bushnell he began his 3rd career when he joined the local volunteer fire department. He quicky rose to become the Fire Chief, then District Fire Chief - serving along with his wife, Andrea, who worked as an EMT. They both continued their service in Bushnell for over 20 years in various capacities. Facing his 3rd retirement, he moved to South Carolina to be closer to family. Duane received numerous awards for military and community service over the years. Duane was a man that loved God, country and family. Church was very important to him from the time he was a child until the day he passed. He sang in church choirs for over 80 years, served on numerous church councils including council president, and as an usher, greeter or anything else that needed to be done at the church. Family was also very important to Duane. He was a dedicated father, grandfather, great-grandfather and husband. Duane is survived by his wife of 43 years, Andrea Carlson, his first wife of 23 years, Kay Carlson, his daughter: Brenda Rutledge (Keith), sons: John Carlson (Carolyn) and Michael Carlson (Monica Manolas); and stepsons: Gary Martin (Lori) and Scott Martin. Grandchildren include Josh Rutledge (Kim), Liza Rutledge (Kenny Morris), Olivia Burnitz (Carl), Victor Rutledge (Madeline), John Carlson, Eric Carlson, Megan Carlson and Lauren Carlson and numerous great grandchildren. Duane was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings: Norman Carlson, Helen Carr, Vivian Hillman, and Everett Carlson. A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, November 29, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Walhalla, SC with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 West Main Street, Walhalla, SC 29691.

Mr. Duane William Carlson

May 6, 1933 - November 3, 2024