John David Carson of Urbana, Illinois, passed away peacefully in the early hours of June 23, 2017, age 96.

He was born in Urbana on August 15, 1920, the youngest of five children. His parents were Francis Thomas Carson, a prominent Urbana attorney, and Mary Katherine (Swartz) Carson. As a child, John was beloved in Urbana for his spunky personality and his adventuresome spirit. He was an avid reader, scholar, and accomplished drummer. While in high school he attended the National Music Camp at Interlochen, Michigan. He enrolled in the University of Illinois after graduating from Urbana High School. He spent his summers playing in a jazz band at the Portage Point Inn, a resort near Interlochen. In 1941 John met the love of his life, Helen Ann Straehle at the resort while she was on vacation with her family. John and Helen managed to keep in touch during the next six years.

John joined the Army Air Force in 1942 during WWII, and Helen went off to college at Olivet, MI. John was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to the University of Illinois to complete his education and prepare for the practice of Law. Upon graduation, he joined his two brothers and his father in the family law firm. John and Helen reunited after he returned from the service, and were married in her home town of Detroit, Michigan, on November 29, 1947. They settled in Urbana where they raised their four children. John continued to manage his own affairs until he was well into his 90s. He and Helen spent their later years at the Clark-Linsey Village where they made many new friends, and kept the staff amused by their antics.

John was preceded in death by his parents, and his four siblings, Mary Ann, Thomas, Joseph, and Dorothy, and by his devoted wife of 69 years.

He is survived by his four children, Thomas Carson of Boulder CO; Robert Carson of Bozeman MT; David Carson of Everett WA; and Mary Huffman of Boulder CO. He is also survived by his twelve grandchildren, Lauren, Annie, Leah; Rebecca, Kelly, Athena, Charles; Benjamin, Andrew, Luke; Michael, and Jon.

Following cremation, a private memorial service, and interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery, will take place at a future date.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation for the kindness and professionalism of John's caregivers at Clark-Lindsey Meadowbrook Unit.

John will be remembered for his integrity, his hard work and diligence, his loving relationship with Helen, his wise counsel, and for his enduring sense of humor. May he rest in peace.