ENNIS, Texas — Roy Edward Carlson, 81, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025, in Ennis, Texas. Roy was born on August 6, 1943, to Henry and Alvina Carlson of LaPorte, Indiana. He graduated from LaPorte High School, where he played many sports, with wrestling being his favorite despite being a “little guy.”
Roy attended Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, where he met Louise Langston. They married and had two children, Rocky and Kristina. Roy later moved to Huron, South Dakota, and continued his education at Huron College, earning his BA.
A passionate musician, Roy played in many bands throughout South Dakota, including the Snoot Gibson Band, with whom he had the opportunity to perform at the opening of the Buffalo Chip in 1981. He was a talented drummer and a self-taught keyboardist, and his love for music was evident throughout his life.
Roy was deeply involved in his community in Huron, where he was an avid bowler. He could often be found at the Red White and Blue house, practicing with some of his favorite bandmates: Bruce Morrison, Bob Thomas, Danny Winsel, Jerry Tschetter, and Tracy Halperin.
Roy is survived by his ex-wife, Leciana Carlson Gabor, and his children: Rocky, his wife Ginger Carlson of Ferris, Texas; Brandon Carlson of Palm Springs, California; and Kristina Carlson Rafter of Springfield, Missouri. His two bonus daughters Amy Almond and April Drake. He is also survived by his younger brother, Ray, of Tennessee, and his favorite niece, Laurida Arion, of Indiana. Known as “Grandpa Funny” by Benny Blaedorn, his nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, Roy will be dearly missed by his family and many friends across the United States.
A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2025 in Huron, South Dakota.
