Robert Allen "Al" Carson

Robert A. “Al” Carson passed away Monday, February 8, 2010, at a local hospital. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Al was born November 23, 1941, in Topeka KS to Edward Robert (Ed) and Eleanor (Kuhn) Carson, but spent his early years in California. His family returned to Topeka in 1956 and he graduated from Hayden High School in 1959. While working at Zercher Photo, owner Jerry McCarthy, was instrumental in Al attending Washburn University from 1960-1962, 1965-1971, attaining a Bachelor in Business Administration. On September 8, 1962, Allen married Connie Bussell at Assumption Church. They enjoyed over 47 years together. Al was active in his church and community. He was among the first class of 12 men preparing to serve as Lay Ministers of Communion at St. Irenaeus in Park Forest IL. He served on Parish Councils at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church and St. Matthew Church in Topeka. He was a past board member of the Marian Clinic, Shawnee Country Club, Washburn Ichabod Club and Topeka Youth Project. He was a club advisor for Junior Achievement and coached Little League baseball for five years in Park Forest and SCABA baseball for one year in Topeka. Al was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Washburn Alumni Association, Knights of Columbus, Council #534, Shawnee Country Club and Friends of the Mulvane Art Museum. Al was employed by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad, later Burlington Northern Santa Fe, for 33 and a half years. He served in various management positions in Topeka, Chicago IL and Fort Worth TX, retiring in Forth Worth in 1998. After retirement, he was employed part-time at Shawnee Woodwork from 2000 – 2010. He is survived by his wife, Connie; son, David, wife Cheryl and their sons Christopher and Matthew; son Tim, wife Jan and their children Sarah and Ryan; daughter, Allyson Haldeman and her son Carson Haldeman; sister, Elaine (John) Martin; brother, James (Janelle) Carson; brother, Michael Carson; and brother, Mark (Angie) Carson; three nephews; six nieces; three great-nephews; five great-nieces; and many cousins, aunts and uncles. Al will lie in state from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614 and then family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Christ the King Church where a parish rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at the Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Marian Clinic, Washburn University Golf Team for scholarships, or a charity of one’s choice, sent in care of the funeral home.

Robert Allen "Al" Carson

November 23, 1941 - February 8, 2010