Terry R. Carlson, 83, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 following a year and a half battle with pancreatic cancer. Terry was born on July 1, 1940 in Wakefield, Nebraska to Ivar “Skiv” Carlson and Pearl (Fink) Carlson. He graduated from Wakefield High School, then earned a Bachelor of Bible Ministry at Manhattan Christian College, and then received his Masters in Sociology from Kansas State University. He married the love of his life, Linda F. Holm on June 11, 1961.
Terry was called into ministry from an early age. He pastored the Cedar Christian Church and the Circleville Christian Church back in the 1960’s. He taught Sociology at the University of Central Missouri, and at Ft. Hays State University. In the late 60’s, Terry worked with CUTE (Cooperative Urban Teacher Education), a Federal Government research program designed to teach and train teachers to teach in inner city schools. During this time, he was part of a traveling gospel quartet called the Christels which produced a record. He became the executive director of the Northeast Area Agency on Aging in Hiawatha, Kansas in 1973 until going into full time ministry in 1977. Terry was ordained by the Disciples of Christ and in full time ministry until he retired; pastoring at the following churches: Highland Christian Church, King Hill Christian Church, Beverly Hills Church of Christ in Sydney, Australia, Faith United Church, and Rosendale Christian Church. He received recognition on several occasions for having his churches be one of the top 10% of growing churches in America. Just prior to retiring from full-time ministry, he returned to the classroom, teaching Sociology at Missouri Western State University as an adjunct professor.
Those who knew Terry, understood he lived a full and fruitful life. He loved the Lord Jesus and would share this with anyone who would listen. He traveled to several countries on various mission trips, using his skills as a magician to communicate the gospel. He loved music, working in his garden, celebrating Christmas with Swedish traditions and food, and he simply loved people. He treasured his friendships and coffee with his buddies deeply. He cared deeply for the staff at Big Sky Donuts too!
He was proceeded in death by his parents; in-laws, Clarence and Ebba Holm; brother, N. Gene Carlson; brothers-in-law Richard “Dick” Laue and Merlyn Holm; and sister-in-law, Mardell Holm.
Terry is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Pamela (Marty) Clary, Candess Harman, and Chad (Cailey) Carlson all of St. Joseph, MO; grandchildren-Derek (Roxanna) Harman-Newton, Kansas, Lindsey (Jacob) Horvatic-St. Joseph, MO, Blake Clary-Kansas City, MO, Dalton (Lauren) Harman-Salina, KS, Tennyson Clary, Chaelee Harman, Molly Carlson, Chiara Harman, Chalin Harman, and Macormick Carlson, all from St. Joseph, MO; great-grandchildren-Destinee Ramsey, Natalee Ramsey, Baylee Harman, and Luke Harman.
The family would like to say a big thank you to the Hospice staff at Freudenthal’s and staff at Corby for assisting in his care the past few months.
In true Terry style, he wanted the following saying shared:
“This life will soon be passed but only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Terry requested there be no funeral. However, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
