Philip Carlson Obituary

Philip W. Carlson, 74, a retired teacher, died of a heart attack with concurrent stroke April 17 at the Pikes Peak Hospice in Colorado Springs. He was a resident of Colorado since 1956. He served in the United States Army from 1952-1954. He was a member of the Manitou Springs High School faculty from 1960 to 1990. He began his career teaching Industrial Arts, and later launched the Driver's Education program in 1962, eventually teaching Driver's Education full time. He reached students throughout the region through summer Driver's Ed programs in various other school districts. He taught over 6000 student drivers, including nine family members. Phil was born in Wahoo, Nebraska on November 14, 1932. After growing up in Red Oak, Iowa, he later graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with both bachelors and master's degrees in education. He continued with post-graduate work throughout his career, though he had earned a lifetime teaching certificate. He was a life-long automotive enthusiast, owning a number of classic American and foreign cars. He took great pride in being able to build or fix virtually anything, and he was a terrific gardener and landscaper. He was involved with the Lutheran Church throughout his life, teaching confirmation and holding various offices. He was an active Young Life supporter and showed the Lord to all who knew him. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Carolyn R. Carlson of Colorado Springs; his three children: Phil Carlson (Vickie) of Reston, Virginia; Christi Ellis (Michael) of Colorado Springs; and Steve Carlson, DDS (Kathryn) of Colorado Springs; three brothers; one sister; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Phil was greatly loved by his entire extended family as well as a wide myriad of friends, students, and people whose lives he touched. Funeral arrangements have been made through Swan-Law. Visitation is set for 3pm to 5pm on Sunday April 22 at Swan-Law, located at 501 N. Cascade Ave. The funeral service will be held on Monday, April 23 at First United Methodist Church, located at 420 N. Nevada. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, 1401 South Eighth Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906; or Pikes Peak Hospice, 825 East Pikes Peak Ave, Suite 600, Colorado Springs CO 80903.