George "Buck" Carson

George "Buck" Carson, 92, of Delavan, IL formerly of Washington, IL, passed away Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, IL. He was born March 26, 1929, to Thomas and Lucile Carson.

He married Donna Evans of Canton, IL, on November 11, 1951, at the First Baptist Church in Canton by Reverend Willis Reed.   George graduated from Canton High School in the class of 1948.  After 33 years as a Design Engineer, he retired from Caterpillar in March 1985.

Donna preceded George in death on February 28, 2011.  Surviving are his children Karen Harmon of Delavan, IL, and George Michael (Debbie) Carson of Beaumont, TX.  Grandchildren include two grandsons Daniel Sawyer of Anchorage, AK, and Michael Sawyer of Delavan, IL, with three step-grandchildren Teresa Short of Tucson, AZ, Scott (Heather) Harmon of Mapleton, IL, and Steven Harmon of Pekin, IL.   From these, there are three great-grandchildren, seven step-great-grandchildren, and one step-great-great grandson.

George's parents and one brother (Buddy) preceded him in death.  Surviving are two sisters Pat Stairwalt of Canton, IL, Judy Purtle of Port St. Lucie, FL, and one brother Jack Carson also of Canton, IL.

George was active as a sports coach and club officer for 17 years.  He was active in the Washington Recreation Association coaching Biddy Baseball.  George also developed Oliver Thomas Baseball Field (1963) in the Sunnyland area into the nicest lighted field in the area at that time.  He reorganized the NTRA Baseball and Softball programs and also organized the first JFL Football Team (NTRA) in the Washington area.  NTRA had approximately 650 kids from 8 to 18 years old from the surrounding areas playing at one time; the program was supported by signup fees, sponsors, concession stand, and candy sales with no tax monies.

George was very active in the local community, serving six years each on District 50 and 308 School Boards.  He was past President of Sunnyland Lions Club and past Treasurer of Highview Church of God of Washington.   George was also the primary Committee Chairman to investigate annexing Sunnyland to Washington or East Peoria or forming their own sanitary sewer district.  He always said none of these achievements would have been possible without the good people in the Sunnyland area. George and Donna retired to Tucson, Arizona, in 1985.  They traveled through the US and Canada in their motorhome six months out of the year; Donna doing her crafts and George playing golf and pool.  During this time, George was past President of Holiday Rambler's RV Cub Chapter 71 of Tucson. They returned to Illinois in 2008 to be near family after Donna became very ill with Parkinson's disease.   George enjoyed teaching his great-grandchildren to play golf and loved playing pool, being active in six pool leagues.  George attended Grace Presbyterian Church of Peoria.

Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no services.  In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Hope Hill Youth Services, PO Box 257, Mt. Sterling KY 40353. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington is assisting with arrangements.  To share a memory or send a condolence to his family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Hope Hill Youth Services, PO Box 257, Mt. Sterling KY  40353.