Joseph Patrick Carson Jr.

Joseph P Carson (Joe) of Lakeland, FL passed away on Wednesday June 14, 2023 at the age of 69. He was born on July 16, 1953 in Pittsburgh, PA where he grew up in a large extended family, enjoying many family gatherings including the family 4th of July picnics.

He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1971 and Point Park College in 1978 with a Baccalaureate in Science in Computer Science.

Joe served in the United States Air Force for 4 years spending time in Kwang Ju, Korea, Myrtle Beach AFB and Wright Patterson AFB. He worked in Information Technology for GTE, but had been disabled for many years.

Joe was actively involved in youth ministry at Apostles Lutheran Church in Brandon, FL for many years and touched many young lives. In recent years, he attended St Paul Lutheran Church in Lakeland, FL.

He was preceded in death by his father Joseph P Carson Sr and his mother Patricia Ann Patrick Carson Murphy.

He is survived by his wife Kathy of Lakeland, FL, sons Sean (Janice) of Gastonia, NC, Alan (Emily) of Lithia, FL, Walter of Riverview, FL, daughters Carolyn of Ruckersville, VA and Michelle of Sarasota, FL: granddaughter Rebecca Carson and grandsons Christopher Tipton, Nick, Drew and Josh Carson, and great-granddaughter Hailey Tipton and great grandson Chance Tipton. He is also survived by brothers Gary (Susan) of Celebration, FL and Tim (Cindy) of Estero, FL and sisters Peg Whitehouse (Doug) of Jefferson Hills, PA and Cathy of Clairton, PA. In addition, he is survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Joe’s faith was fierce and his love for his family was strong. He had the best/worst dad jokes and never missed the chance to come up with a pun that made everyone groan. He could fix any computer problem and was the biggest Steelers fan you ever met, even making his family join him in the cold Canada night air to watch a preseason game on TV.

The family would like to thank all of the nursing staff at the MICU at Lakeland Regional Hospital for the care and compassion they showed Joe in his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Shepherd’s Community United Methodist Church, 6885 Chelsea Oaks Dr, Lakeland, FL 33811 on Saturday August 5 at 2PM with visitation with the family beginning at 1 PM. Reception will follow at Lakeview Hall in Carillon Lakes, 3901 Carillon Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33811. The family requests that Steeler colors (black and gold) or clothing be worn in Joe’s memory.

Interment will be at Bushnell National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to The American Cancer Society or The American Heart Association.