Obituary: Clair "Sonny" Carson - Class of 1957

MADISON - Clair "Sonny" Carson, age 70, passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2007, in Madison. He was born on April 21, 1937, in Madison, the son of Clair and Flossie (Ellis) Carson. Sonny graduated from Madison Central High School in 1957. He enjoyed being outdoors, landscaping, hunting and fishing. Sonny loved spending time with friends, customers, otherwise known as the "regulars," working in his vegetable garden and selling produce at his stand. His red barn has been a fixture on Madison's East Side for the last 34 years, beginning at the Capital Square during the early days of the Farmers Market, to Fair Oaks Avenue, Cottage Grove Road, Monona Drive, and most recently at Lake Edge Shopping Center. Sonny did not have any children of his own, but he was looked upon as a mentor and father to all. He is survived by his three brothers, Clayton "Pete" (Lois) of Madison, Robert "Bob" (Joan) of Madison and John "Jack" (Alvina) of Tennessee; a half-sister, Doris Davis of Platteville; and nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a half-brother, Milton "Bud" Lemke; and a half-sister, Dorothy Strait. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 17,2007. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, July 16, 2007. The family wishes to express a special thank you to Beverly and to all of Sonny's customers and friends, for all their friendship throughout the years. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 15, 2007