Chris Edwin Carlson

Chris Edwin Carlson, 50, of Pampa, died January 27, 2016 in Pampa. Services will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, January 30, 2016, at First Baptist Church, with Rev. Byron Williamson, pastor, and Rev. Daniel Ortner, associate pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Chris was born December 19, 1965 in Emporia, Kansas. He had been a resident of Pampa since 1974. He was a member of First Baptist Church and the Special Friends Department. Chris attended Pampa ISD Special Ed Program at Baker Elementary school. He participated in Special Olympics for many years. Chris enjoyed taking road trips, staying in hotels, and swimming. He loved all music, especially blue grass and country music that his uncle John Carlson got him hooked on. John Denver was his favorite singer. He loved collecting yellow zippers and Sesame Street, and he especially loved his friends at the Pampa Sheltered Workshop. Survivors include his parents, Jerry and Sherry Carlson of the home; four uncles, John Carlson and wife Sue of Pampa, Jack Carlson and wife Karen of Houston, Gene Carlson of Nevada, and Gary Pillers and wife Paulette of Lubbock; and numerous cousins and extended family. Chris was preceded in death by his grandparents, Milo and Pauline Carlson, and Claude and Charlene Pillers. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Special Friends, PO Box 621, Pampa, Texas 79066-0621; Brackenridge Village of Tyler, 15062 CR 1145, Tyler, Texas 75704; or GCARC/PAID, PO Box 885, Pampa, Texas 79066-0885. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Christi Forsha and Tasha Triplett with BSA Hospice, and caregivers Sarah Gollaher and Joshua Mayhew for their loving care of Chris. The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:30 PM Friday, January 29, 2016, at Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.