Archie Vincent Carlson, Jr. left his earthly home on Feb. 5, 2021, to return to his Heavenly Father. Archie was born Dec. 9, 1944, Archie Vincent Carlson and Gaitha Myers Carlson. He made Bryan County, Okla., his home in 1961.
His bravery during the Vietnam War earned him many medals. Among those medals are the National Defense Service, Vietnam Campaign, and Good Conduct medals. Archie attended Austin College, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. He went on work with Union Pacific Railroad as a claims investigator until his retirement.
He attended Faith Lutheran Church in Durant, Okla. This is where he married Linda Carol Clay on Nov. 24, 2020. He enjoyed life. Singing and sitting around picking the guitar was something he loved. He practiced martial arts and was interested in photography.
Archie is preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Gaitha Carlson; grandparents, Frank and Maggie Myers; sisters, Sylvia Lewis, Rella Walters; cousins, Lewis Vaden and Billy Vaden; nephew, Elmer Warren and brother-in-law, Marvin Warren.
Archie is survived by wife, Linda Carol Clay Carlson of the home; son, Stephen Todd Carlson and wife Teresa of La Mirada, Calif.; grandson, Samuel Carlson of La Mirada, Calif.; granddaughter, Abigail Carlson of Saudi Arabia; daughter, Vanessa Carlson of Dallas, Texas; sister, Joy Warner of Wichita Falls, Texas; brother, Joe Scoggin and wife Grace of Baton Rogue, La.; numerous nieces, and nephews, extended family and friends.
A celebration of Archie’s life with Military Honors will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 at Brown’s Funeral Service Chapel. Pastor Jerry Petterson will officiate.
Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral and Cremation Service.