Carson, LaVerne

Carson, LaVerne BennettJanuary 31, 1937 - February 21, 2023LaVerne Bennett Carson of Heritage Ridge in Bellevue, Nebraska, died on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at the age of 86 and 21 days. Verne was born on January 31, 1937, to James and Dena (Nichols) Carson, on the family farm in Iowa. He graduated from Pisgah High School in 1955. On September 16, 1956, Verne married Anita Walker at the First Christian Church in Woodbine, Iowa and then moved to Omaha, Nebraska where they were members of the Central Park UCC.Verne was a member of the Army Reserves. He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for over 40 years, first as an electrician and then as a material inspector. The couple moved to Little Rock, Arkansas in 1990 and returned to the Omaha area in 2003. While in Arkansas he was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Maumelle. Upon returning to Omaha, Verne actively served at the St. James United Methodist Church in Bellevue, Nebraska. Verne liked to arrive at church early and was recruited to be an usher; he happily served as an usher at each church. Verne faithfully participated in the men's Thursday morning Bible study.Verne was known as a kind and generous man. He walked almost every day, conversing with neighbors he met along the way. Verne was a crew member for Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska (BRAN) for many years. He and Anita were season ticket holders of the College World Series for over 35 years. Verne was an avid fan of westerns and sports, especially the Dodgers and the Huskers. He was a keen card player who could win pitch, bridge, spades, and euchre until his final moments. Verne would tell you that most of all he loved his family, especially the joy he felt from his three great-granddaughters.Verne was preceded in death by his wife, Anita Carson; parents, James and Dena Carson; parents-in-law, Leonard and Lila Walker; grandson, Jonathan Sneed; sister, Joyce Smith; and nephews, Danny and David Smith. He is survived by three daughters, Kathy (Lee) Sneed of Wheaton, Illinois, Sue Carson of Omaha, Nebraska and Jane (Kevin) Wynn of Papillion, Nebraska; three grandchildren, Elizabeth (Evan) Rotert, Zachary (Laura) Wynn and Sara (Sean) Barnes; three great-granddaughters, Madison, Joanna and Lydia, plus one on the way; many nieces and nephews; and friend, Linda Strominger.VISITATION: Sunday, February 26th, from 3-6pm, at St. James United Methodist Church, 1501 Franklin St., Bellevue. FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday, February 27th, 10:30am, at St. James United Methodist Church. Interment: Woodbine Iowa Cemetery. Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. FOUTS FUNERAL HOMEWoodbine, IA | 712-647-2221 | www.foutsfuneralhome.com