Raymond L. Carson was born September 20, 1929, the youngest of J. Glenn and Verna Carson’s four children. He grew up on their family farm west of Langford, S.D., graduated from Langford high school in 1947, then attended the Minneapolis Business College. Following graduation, he was employed by General Mills in Aberdeen, S.D. from 1949-1951. In the fall of 1951, he returned home to Langford to farm with his father, J. Glenn.

On June 26, 1954, Raymond and Joanne Barbara Erickson were married at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Langford. They farmed until 1957, then moved to Watertown, S.D. where Raymond started his banking career at First Citizens Bank. In June 1958 they returned to Langford where Raymond began his 35 year career at Langford State Bank. Upon returning, he and Joanne purchased the old Evangelical Lutheran Church Parish Hall and moved it to where it still stands on Maple Street. After a winter of remodeling the parish hall, they moved into their new home where Raymond and Joanne resided until July 2019, raising their four children and enjoying an active family and community life.

Raymond was an active member of his community and church. He served on the Langford Town Board and was the Town Finance Officer for 14 years, the Langford School Business Manager for 8 years, and the Director of the Langford State Bank. Raymond was involved with the Langford Development Corporation, the Langford Booster club, Langford Investment Club and Masonic Lodge as well as serving as a fireman. He was on the Marshall County Zoning Board and a Trustee of the Lutheran Church where he served on many boards, and also taught Sunday School.

Raymond was a loving husband and father with a large community of friends. He enjoyed numerous hobbies including hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening and playing cards. Raymond liked to involve his children in these pursuits and attended their many school functions. He particularly delighted in his cabin on Roy Lake, spending his days fishing, driving his boat for water-skiing, barbecuing, and hosting friends and family for food, games and fellowship. It was a very special place that he took immense pleasure in up to the time of his passing. After retirement, he and Joanne wintered in Pharr, Texas where they found another community of friends and adventures. He golfed, played cards and dominoes, and took trips around Texas and into Mexico. He and Joanne also enjoyed their travels to Norway, Jamaica, many parts of the US as well as a couple of cruises to Alaska and into the Caribbean. Raymond was a jovial Grandpa, delighting in his grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved him in return.

In March of 2020, Raymond lost the love of his life and best friend, Joanne. He remained in Yankton to be closer to his children. Raymond passed away on June 17, 2024 at the age of 94, at the Hospice House in Yankton, SD. He is survived by his four children; Brad (Jean) Carson of Chamberlain, Stuart (Marcy) Carson of Yankton, Mary Jo (Roger) Renner of Yankton, and Jay Glenn (Cinthy) Carson of Steamboat Springs, CO; seven grandchildren: Donovan Carson, Davis Carson, Chelsea (Wes) Whitaker, Desirae (Corey) Farrell, Alex Renner, Katie (Matt) Blount, Jacob Carson; eight great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be directed to Langford Community Foundation, Hillside Cemetery of Rural Langford, or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Mary Jo Renner -502 James Place - Yankton, SD 57078.

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www. olsonfuneralchapel.com