William Lloyd Carson

William Lloyd Carson

Tulsa, OK

Professor William Lloyd Carson, PhD, PE, age 83 died November 19, 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. William (Bill) was born February 15, 1941 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to parents Roy Lewallen Carson and Wilma Anna Skalsky Carson. He grew up on a family farm in Ely, Iowa. Bill was inducted into the Honor Society his Junior year and graduated 1959 as valedictorian from Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. On June 9,1963 he married Antoinette (Toni) Mildred Grey of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He furthered his education by earning a PhD degree in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering from the University of IA. In 1968 Bill and Toni moved to Columbia, Missouri where he accepted a position as Professor at the University of MO and taught for more than 30 years. During those years he presented engineering test results in research papers at conferences in the U.S. as well as in many foreign countries. In 2004 Bill was presented an appreciation award from the ASTM committee on medical surgical materials and devices for his outstanding volunteer efforts setting up laboratories at the University of MO Orthopedic Institute and another in the Veterinary College. In addition, the Biomechanics and Bioengineering lab at the University of MO was named after “Bill & Toni Carson”. For the last 3 years, Bill and Toni have awarded two scholarships annually for elementary school teaching students at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Bill loved gardening, fishing and was deeply involved in engineering throughout his life. He enjoyed visiting his daughter’s home in Jenks, Oklahoma and son’s home in Kansas City. Initially Bill and Toni helped watch young grandchildren, host “Camp Carson”, and later attended many of their ball games, swim meets, soccer games & horse shows. Bill’s family and friends will always remember him as a quiet, helpful, kind, innovative and industrious person. Through the years Bill and Toni enjoyed traveling and camping across America, including Alaska; plus exploring foreign countries including Canada, England, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Japan.

Married for 61 years, Bill is survived by his wife Antoinette (Toni), daughter Dr. Suzann (Suzie) Antoinette Dunkerley, husband John Kelly Dunkerley, granddaughter Antoinette Lee Dunkerley, and son William (Butch) Grey Carson, wife Renee Massey Carson, grandchildren Julia Renee Carson and Nicholas Grey Carson. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, older sister Mary Rhae Walston (wife of Professor Sydney Walston of Frankfort, Michigan) and his younger cousin Bob Carson (husband to Sandra Jean Horak of Cedar Rapids, Iowa) who lived with Bill and family for several years in Ely, Iowa.

In agreement with Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A “Tribute website” (through Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel) has been created for family and friends to view & electronically contribute to the celebration of life. A private memorial service is scheduled January 19, 2025 for the passing of Professor William L. Carson, PhD, PE ~ cherishing this GREAT family man, teacher & professional leader.