Obituary of Don Carson, Sr.

Donald “Don” Carson, Sr., 82-year-old resident of Doniphan, MO, departed this life at St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, MO, on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, with his family at his side. He was born December 24, 1940, in Doniphan, to the late ­­­­­­­­Euel Carson and Reva (Moore) Leroux and his stepfather, James H. Leroux.

Don was a pillar of the community. He loved being outdoors and as a heavy equipment operator working on his dozer, leveling the land and building ponds, working with his cattle, or on the lawn mower keeping his yard in pristine condition. As an entrepreneur, Don’s business ventures included a wide range of interests including Leroux and Carson Trucking, Carson’s Dozer Service, Carson’s Mini-Mart (which is now the 24/7 Convenience Store), and even taking over Big D’s BBQ and opening Carson’s Fish House during his retirement years. Don had kicked off his career working at Vitronic where Nancy also had worked. Don had served in the National Guard. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #369 and had recently been awarded his 50-year pin. Don attended Oak Grove Church of God.

Don’s family lovingly refer to him as “Big Daddy” because to them he was “larger than life” in the way he loved and worked so hard to provide for them. He was family driven and loved BIG. To them Don was a teddy bear at heart with a little grizzly mixed in. Don had a huge generous heart and often helped others in the community when needed. He leaves behind a legacy of love and commitment.

On April 16, 1960, Don married Nancy Miller at the Methodist Church in Doniphan. They had celebrated 63 years of a blessed marriage. Nancy survives. Also surviving are their three children, Don (Lynette) Carson Jr., of St. James, MO, Mike (JoAnn) Carson of Piedmont, MO, and Trisha (John) Gargac, of Grandin, MO; a sister, Darlene Leroux of Poplar Bluff, MO; his grandchildren, Emmily (Heath) Stegall, Aaron (Kristin) Carson, Lyndon (Ashten) Carson, Clay Carson, Jacob (McClay) Carson, Carson Arnold, Austin Arnold, Bella Gargac, and Nathan Gargac; and two great-grandchildren, Harlow Stegall and Lucy Kate Carson.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brothers, Ronald Gene Carson and James E. “Short” Leroux.

Visitation will be held in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, September 23, 2023, beginning at noon, with the funeral services to follow at 2:00 p.m. Brother Danny Miller will be officiating, and burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Oak Grove Church of God. You may do so by clicking on the donation button above.