Ronald James Carlson

SHREVEPORT, La. - Ronald Carlson passed away Dec. 7, 2014, in Shreveport, surrounded by his family after a short battle and complications with pancreatic cancer.

Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, at Forest Park Funeral Home in Shreveport. A celebration of life memorial service is from 2 to 3 at the funeral home chapel with Msgr. Carson LaCaze and Father Thomas John officiating. Graveside service begins at 3:30 at Forest Park Cemetery East.

Ronald was born on Feb. 23, 1943, in Bessemer, Mich. He was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, where he met his wife, Loretta Carlson.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman enjoying golfing, fishing and hunting of all kind. He enjoyed dancing as much as the outdoors and was always the life of the party, making close and loyal friends with every life he touched. After retiring, he enjoyed his free time, chasing the warm seasons across the United States visiting his children and grandchildren.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Elsie Carlson; his wife, Rita Carlson; his brothers, Herman Carlson and Kenneth Carlson; and sisters, Betty Acuff, Donna LaBlonde and Laverne Carlson.

Left to cherish the wonderful memories Ronald leaves behind will be his son, Tim Carlson; daughters Tammy Greenwood and husband Jon, and Teresa Ellis and husband Chad; stepchildren, Melissa Ripkey and husband Bob, and Shawn Mattson; stepgrandchildren, Corey Ripkey and Kayley Mattson; a brother, Keith Carlson and his wife Nancy; eight grandchildren, Zachary Carlson, Lauren Morgan, Jackson Ellis, Duke Ellis, Blaise Ellis, Jessica Greenwood, Victoria Greenwood and Nicholas Greenwood; and a great-grandchild, Myles McCray. He was also blessed with many adoring cousins, nephews, nieces and a host of wonderful friends.

The family would like to thank the third floor nurses station at Willis Knighton in Shreveport, and the nurses and staff at LifeCare North, who took loving care of our father and made our stay as comfortable as possible allowing us to turn his room into a loving and comfortable home environment.

Donations can be made in memory of Mr. Ronald Carlson through the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org.