GILSON, Carson D. – age 87, of Davison, MI, passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at His Caring Arms (Assisted Living), Holly, MI.

Carson was born in Otter Lake on September 26, 1922, son of the late Elizabeth (Sproul) and Lloyd Gilson. He graduated Otisville High School in 1940 and was the Class Valedictorian. Carson attended General Motors Institute, now known as Kettering University. He served three years with the United States Army during WWII. Carson was stationed overseas in Saipan and Hawaii. While in the Army, Carson married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Bishop, in Los Angeles, CA on August 30, 1943. He retired in 1979 from the office at Buick Engineering, General Motors on Hamilton St. in Flint, MI, with 37 years of service.

Carson’s hobbies included hunting, ice fishing (with no shanty), Red Wings hockey, basketball and football of all kinds. He followed the Davison Varsity Football team from 1960 to the present as an avid fan. Carson attended home and away games; more recently, following the results in the newspaper. He was a perfectionist when it came to working outdoors in his yard. Carson was always up on current events and watched CNN TV 24 hours a day. He loved to talk about politics. Eating out in area restaurants was one of his favorite pastimes. Carson’s dry sense of humor; deep, loud voice and caring heart will be most remembered.

Visitation will be 3-7:30 pm Friday, February 19, 2010 at Allen Funeral Home, 9136 E. Davison Rd., Davison. There will be a private service for immediate family only. Burial will take place at Smith Hill Cemetery in Otisville, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Davison High School Football Program.

Carson’s family would like to thank Jim and Norma Jean Wartella for all of the many years of extra help they provided. A special THANK YOU to Michelle Dale Bartoli, who was a good friend of Carson in his later years. Many thanks to Heartland Hospice-Flint and Visiting Physicians Dr. Cassandra Wormack. No words can be enough to describe the sincere and wonderful treatment that Carson received while in the care of Debbie and Bill Rogers at His Caring Arms. Carson and his family were treated as if they were part of the Rogers family.

Carson leaves behind his daughters, Pam (Gilson) Snider of Grand Blanc and Wendy (Gilson) and Bill Dahlquist of Davison; granddaughter, Deanna (Kilburn) Alderman of Burton; great-grandchildren, Lea, Alex and Grant Alderman of Burton; sisters, Norma Jean (Jim) Wartella of Davison and Audrey Kitchen of East Tawas; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Carson’s wife of 43 years preceded him in death.

Please share your thoughts with the family at www.allenfuneralhomeinc.com.