Walter Selim Carlson

WALTER SELIM CARLSON October 21, 1925 - August 8, 2013 Walter Selim Carlson, 87, of Smithfield, Rhode Island; formerly of East Providence, Rhode Island, North Attleboro; Pawtucket, Rhode Island and Cumberland, Rhode Island ; died on Thursday, August 8, 2013 at the Heritage Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where he had resided since May. He was the former husband of the late Marie-Rose (LaCasse) Carlson. Born in Providence, Rhode Island on October 21, 1925, he was a son of the late Carl and Agnes C. (Polin) Carlson. He resided in Seekonk in his youth and was a graduate of East Providence High School. Mr. Carlson proudly served in the United States Army having served from his enlistment on September 25, 1950 until his honorable discharge on January 16, 1952 with the rank of CPL (T). He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars and the United Nations Service Medal. Mr. Carlson began his career as a toolmaker prior to enlisting in the service and was employed from 1944 - 1950 with Heart Tool Company, North Attleboro. Mr. Carlson later founded Carlson Tool Company of North Attleboro where he developed and patented the twist-o-flex watchband and later a design for the finger splint. He owned and operated the business for 25 years until his retirement in 1998. He received a radio telephone 3rd class operator's permit from the Federal Communications Commission. Mr. Carlson was a member of the Veteran's of Foreign War, North Attleboro and attended the Ocean State Baptist Church prior to entering long-term care. He treasured the time spent in the outdoors, chopping wood, clamming along the coastline, reading science related articles and books but mostly treasured the time spent creating lifelong memories with his family. He is survived by his children: Michelle A. Hawes of Attleboro; Faith and Daniel Demers of Attleboro; Pauline Carlson of North Attleboro; five grandchildren: Jonathan and Katie Hawes of Whitinsville; Sean Hickey of Cranston, Rhode Island; David Demers of Attleboro; Amie and Eddie Vigil of La Monte, Missouri and Alex Cowley of Amherst; his siblings: Greta Carlson of Warren, Rhode Island; formerly of Seekonk; Helen Oliver of Warren, Rhode Island formerly of East Providence, Rhode Island; Ruth Watkins of Kewadin, Michigan, formerly of East Providence, Rhode Island; Florence Paliy of Warren, Rhode Island; formerly of East Providence, Rhode Island and Lloyd Carlson of East Providence, Rhode Island; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews extended family members and friends. He was the brother of the late Roland Carlson, Arnold Carlson, Eleanor Lee and Bertle Carlson. Family and Friends are cordially invited to attend visitation with Veteran's Honors on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right, mile on the left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. Funeral service with Veteran's Honors will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 9:00 AM in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right, mile on the left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro.. Committal services with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 11:15 AM at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Route 28, MacArthur Boulevard, Bourne. In lieu of flowers which are limited at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, the family suggests donations to the Dyer-Lake Charitable Foundation, Inc., a registered 501 (c) 3 organization, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, North Attleboro, MA 02760 to benefit the Alzheimer's Association or the Disabled American Veterans. Please specify to which organization your donations should be directed. For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.