Michael Charles Carson

Michael Charles Carson passed away in his home on Thursday, November 2, 2023, surrounded by his wife, MarLynn, and his youngest son, Ammon.

Michael was born in Sparta Township, Michigan and moved 15 times before 9th grade when his family finally settled in Ravenna, Michigan. Michael attended Northern Michigan University on a track scholarship and interrupted his studies to join the United States Navy where he was assigned to serve in Vietnam as a naval ship navigator and scuba diver. Near the end of his term of service, Mike joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served a two-year full-time mission in the Little Rock, Arkansas mission where he held various leadership positions. Following his missionary service, he completed his collegiate education at Brigham Young University. It was during this time that he met and married his sweetheart, MarLynn. Shortly after, they moved to San Diego, California where Mike began a master’s program in medical social work. He left that career path and eventually started his own HVAC company, a business that he successfully ran until September of 2023. Following some unexpected Divine direction, the family relocated to Arvada, Colorado in 1992 where they have lived for the last 31 years.

Mike prized his exceptional physical abilities and was always grateful for the body that God gave him. He used this gift to enjoy many of his favorite activities such as football, basketball, track, boxing, swimming, scuba diving, freediving, sailing, and cycling (including cycling the heart-stopping Triple-Bypass ride from Evergreen to Avon, Colorado, which covers 120 miles/12,000 feet of elevation gain; and he completed it six times while fighting cancer). Mike remained a fighter all his life and owned his cancer journey for 22 years all while slowly losing the capabilities of his mortal body. Through it all he remained positive, kept a sense of humor, and was never once heard to complain about his challenges.

Mike really loved music. Inspired by the confidence of his middle school music teacher, Mike joined the choir and acted in the theater program. Later in life he was often seen singing in public with his family as well as with the prestigious Colorado Mormon Chorale. He always looked forward to attending the Utah Festival Opera with his wife every summer for the past 20 years in addition to other musical theater productions in the local community. He loved listening to instrumental and vocal favorites as he worked and did everyday life. He was a soothing guitar player and would enjoy singing songs such as “Edelweiss” and “Puff the Magic Dragon” to his kids. Most recently he picked up the ukulele and the recorder.

As a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mike served as a member of several high councils and bishoprics, as Elder’s Quorum President, Young Men’s President, a Scout leader, Stake Athletic Director, and in a variety of other callings.

Mike is survived by his wife of 44 years, MarLynn Carson; their six children and their spouses, Adam, Aaron (Kara), April (Cameron), Amber (Chris), Aymee (Adam), Ammon (Taylor); 16 grandchildren with another on the way; as well as his siblings Chari (Tom), Kathy (Scott), and Chris (Lisa). He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Delores Carson, and his first grandchild, Ayden Crumpley.

A viewing for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, November 7, from 6-8 PM at Horan & McConaty Mortuary, 7577 West 80th Ave. (80th & Wadsworth), in Arvada, CO  80003.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 8, at 10:30 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 12995 W. 72nd Ave., Arvada, CO 80005. Family will receive friends at the Church from 9:30-10:15 AM. For those wishing to participate virtually, you may use this link: https://bxcited.com/michael-carson/

Burial with Military Honors will also be on Wednesday, November 8, at 1:00 PM, at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80236.

Memorial donations may be made on Mike's Everloved page: https://everloved.com/life-of/michael-charles-carson/