John Richard Carson

John Richard Carson, age 96, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, in Roseville, California, after a brief battle with brain cancer.

John was born on September 3, 1929, in Iowa City, Iowa, the youngest of six children. He was raised on his family's dairy farm in a small farmhouse that held generations of family history. Remarkably, it was the same small farmhouse where his father and all five of his siblings were born. Following the untimely death of his father when John was just 12 years old, his mother continued raising the family on the dairy farm as a single parent.

Growing up on the farm shaped John's character in profound ways. Under the guidance and influence of his oldest brother, Bob Carson, he developed the values of hard work, integrity, humility, and kindness. John carried these values with him throughout his life, serving as the foundation for the loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, cherished great-grandfather, and loyal friend he became. His deep love for his family left an enduring legacy that will be remembered for generations.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 67 years, Marilyn “Louise” Carson, who passed away on August 7, 2019. Their love story began as eighth-grade sweethearts and remained the foundation of their family throughout their lives. They were married on October 22, 1952. Louise was truly the love of John's life, and together they built a life filled with love, family, friends and unwavering devotion to one another.

After graduating from Iowa State Teachers College, John proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, ultimately attaining the rank of Second Lieutenant. Following his military service, he returned home and attended graduate school at the University of Iowa under the Korean G.I. Bill. There, he earned a master’s degree in geology.

In June of 1956 John started his career with Chervon Oil. John retired from Chevron in August of 1990 as a Chief Geologist.

John’s career as a petroleum geologist for Chevron Oil brought him from Iowa to California. From there he built a career that took him and his family all along the west coast; Bakersfield, Seattle, Anchorage and the San Francisco Bay Area. Of all the places he lived, John would always reflect on his 7 years in Alaska as his best. His time in Alaska was highlighted by the purchase of a lot on the south end of Blodgett Lake, 40 miles north of Anchorage, where he and his family and friends built a 400 square foot cabin, with no electricity, no water, no inside plumbing but an abundance of love.

Along the way, John and Louise were blessed with countless lifelong friendships. They treasured their friends they met throughout their lives, and their home was always filled with laughter, bridge games, New Years Eve Parties and above all hospitality. No gathering would be complete without a freshly baked pie from Louise. Friends became extended family, and the relationships they nurtured over the decades were a testament to the kindness, and genuine care they showed to everyone they encountered.

John and Louise shared a spirit of adventure that took them around the world. They loved traveling together and embraced every opportunity to explore new countries, experience different cultures, and create new memories. Whether their journeys took them across oceans or closer to home, they found their greatest joy simply being together.

John is survived by his children, Robert Carson and his wife Kim of Park City Utah, Kevin Carson and his wife Lori of Granite Bay, California; five grandchildren, Sean Carson, Jenny Sheperdigian and her husband Adam, Parker Carson and his wife Rachel, Scott Carson and his wife Niamh, and Katie Brockman and her husband Calvin; three great grandchildren Denver Carson, Indyanna Carson and Ara Sheperdigian.

Nothing brought John greater joy than his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He cherished every opportunity to support them and celebrate their life’s milestones. His love was unconditional, and he took immense pride in watching each of them grow.

John Richard Carson lived a life rich in love and family. He will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

John's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Oakmont of Roseville, Sutter Roseville hospice staff, and all those who provided him with compassionate care during his final weeks.

A memorial service will be conducted on Sunday, September 6th at 2:00 PM at Horizon Community Church in Roseville to honor John’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in John and Louise Carson’s name to The Save Mount Diablo Foundation. savemountdiabklo.org (#94-2681735).