David Henry Carlson

David Henry Carlson, Sr (Dave, Pops), 84 years old, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away August 25, 2023 at home in the loving arms of his wife, Cynthia (Cindy).

Dave was born in Redford, Michigan on February 5, 1939 to Henry and Florence (nee Nadeau) Carlson.  He grew up in Livonia, Michigan with his three siblings, attended high school for two years, leaving early to serve his country in the US Army National Guard.  

Married to Patricia (nee Good) on June 29, 1957, they raised four sons together.  They were married for 35 years, living briefly in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area before settling in their family home in Garden City, Michigan. On May 14, 1994, Dave married Cindy (nee Hodge), his loving bride of 29 years, making their home in Jackson, Michigan.

Dave was employed as a skilled Local 687 Union Carpenter for almost three decades.  Once retired, he started his own business out of his workshop garage with Cindy, crafting custom woodworks for years.

As a young man, Dave enjoyed working on and racing stock cars while in Florida.  He built dune buggies in the garage with his sons, fostered their avid interests in hunting and fishing, went on family camping trips and passed on his carpentry talent to his sons. He was an active member of St. Mel Catholic Church Men’s Club in Dearborn Heights, Michigan while his sons attended grade school there. Dave and Cindy spent their honeymoon on a Hawaiian cruise, sailed the ocean to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, enjoyed bowling together on local leagues, went on trips to Las Vegas, and were members of The Eagles Club in Belleville, Michigan.  

Dave is survived by his wife, Cindy, his sons David Jr (Dawn), Mark (Janet), Joe (Mary Beth) and Chris (Larena), step-daughter Chrissie (Dave), his sister, Carol (Joe) Lumetta, sister-in-law Patty and in-laws Mike and Roberta Hodge, Charlie (Dawn) and Sandra.   Additionally, his grandchildren Nicole (Kyle), David III (Chelsea), Brooke, Alle (Bill), Lidia and Cole; step-grandpa to Chelsea, Ashton and Ethan.  Great-grandpa to Henrik, Zane, Claire and Charlotte.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Florence, siblings Joe and Veronica, granddaughter Layla Marie and sister-in-law Roberta.  Dave will be missed by many extended family and friends and his beloved, sweet dogs Layla and Gizmo.

Visitation will be held at Manns Family Funeral Home, 17000 Middlebelt Road, Livonia, MI 48154, Wednesday, August 30, 2023 10am-12pm with Memorial Service beginning at Noon.  Interment immediately following at Parkview Memorial Cemetery, 34205 Five Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48154. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Dave may be made to his wife Cindy.