Lawrence Dale Carlston

Lawrence Dale Carlston

July 16, 1947 – February 19, 2013

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Larry Carlston returned to Heavenly Father’s care on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at the age of 65. He was born on July 16, 1947 in Denver, Colorado to LeGrand and Beryl Carlston.

For two years, he served in the Southern States mission (Georgia/Alabama/South Carolina) for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Larry graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, and then went on to complete an MBA. He enlisted and specialized as a Radio Technician in the Navy. He then attended Officer Candidate School, becoming a Airframes Officer for P3 aircraft and worked his way up to the rank of Lieutenant. The Navy took dad all over the world, Iceland, Vietnam, Hawaii, Guam, Italy and Jacksonville, Florida.

Meeting at a Thanksgiving dance, Larry and Eileen Kaye Sorensen enjoyed a sweet courtship in Denver and were married on March 31, 1978; together they had three children, Michael, Elizabeth and Kathrine. In love with their family, Larry and Eileen raised their kids by reading books at bed time, playing catch in the backyard, working in the yard, cross-country road trips, and supporting them at basketball games, band and choir performances.

Larry worked as a Software Engineer – Senior Staff at Lockheed Martin for 33 years and just came off a glowing performance review where he achieved the highest marks possible. He loved computers and his job.

His grandchildren Ella, Tyler and Benjamin were the joy of his life. It is one of the Lord’s choice tender mercies that Grandpa Larry could spend his last days with his grandkids, playing games on the iPad, reading books, swimming and bouncing baby Ben.

Speaking about death, dad often shared the analogy of a sailing ship that left its harbor. Crowds lined the shore crying sad farewells to their loved ones who did the same. Although goodbye was difficult, there were cheering crowds waiting for loved ones as the ship arrived at its destination. How lovely Dad’s homecoming must be, with his parents, brothers, grandfather, uncle Ken and aunt Margaret bringing a Dixieland band with them to the welcome party.

He is survived by his wife, Eileen of Littleton, Colorado; son Michael (Laura), grandchildren Ella, Tyler, and Benjamin of Westmont, Illinois and daughters Elizabeth of Menlo Park, California and Kathrine of Walnut Creek, California; sister Carol Ann of Denver, Colorado, brother Richard (Suzan) of Canton, Ohio and sister Maxine Schrant (Tom) of Arvada, Colorado. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and brothers David and Robert.

Funeral Services were Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6705 S. Webster St., Littleton, Colorado.

We knew Dad loved us, that he was proud of his wonderful family and his posterity. God be with you Dad, til we meet again.