Robert R. Carson

Robert Carson was born in East Toledo on June 1, 1929 to Robert and Genevieve (Guy) Carson. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Billie Lou (Pinney). He is also survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Larry) McGill and Lisa (Mike)Valigosky and grandchildren, Lauren, Justin, Carson and Landon. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Melba. Bob attended Garfield Elementary School and Waite High School where he was an All-State halfback and football co-captain his senior year, before attending Purdue University for 2 years where he was a varsity quarterback. He then transferrer to the University of Toledo, where he completed his Bachelors of Education and later earned his Masters of Education in counseling and school administration. He also played two years of varsity football for the Rockets and co-captained the team his senior year. While still attending UT he coached the freshman football team. Bob did additional training in leadership at BGSU, Harvard and IBM. Bob spent nearly six decades helping children and youth as he modeled the joy of serving others. While attending UT, he was the Boys Director at three local community centers East Toledo Neighborhood house, East Toledo Family Center and North Toledo Community Center. Upon graduation he taught a Nathan Hale Elementary and then was the Boys Guidance Counselor and backfield coach at Scott High School for several years. In July 1965 Bob was promoted to the Toledo Public School central office and served as Assistant Director of Pupil Service until June of 1969. He then took a newly created position as Executive Director of the Department of Pupil Personnel Service, overseeing the special education programs for the handicapped. He held that position for the next 17 years. In 1973-74 Bob served as President of the Ohio Federation Council for the Exceptional, a statewide organization representing Special Education administrators, teachers and support personnel. The organizations efforts, along with that of others, resulted in a significant increase in state funding of special education for all Ohios school districts. In 1977, Bob was recognized as Ohios Special Educator of the Year for his work at the state and local level. In August 1981, after 27 years of service with Toledo Public Schools, he left to become the Executive Director of the Lucas County Childrens Service Board and Superintendent of the Miami Childrens Home. For the next five years he strengthened that organization in many ways, making it fiscally sound and implementing the highest of standards. Retiring from public service in August 1986, Bob became Director of Development for Toledo Christian Schools, retiring from that position in June 2000 at the age of 70. As TCSs first Director of Development, he was instrumental in the purchase of McAuley High School, eliminating the schools 1.3 million dollar mortgage and establishing a half-million dollar Endowed Scholarship Program. After permanently retiring in 2000, several non-profits requested Bobs development advice concerning their capital campaigns and/or development programs. In 2006-2007, he was personally involved in two capital campaigns: Flower Hospitals Cancer Center and Waite High Schools Perpetuating the Dream campaign to renovate Mollenkopf Stadium. Bob has been inducted into five different hall of fames for his outstanding achievements; The Waite High School Athletic Hall of Fame, The Distinguished Waite High School Alumni Hall of Fame, The East Toledo Neighborhood Houses Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame, The Toledo City Athletic Hall of Fame and the Toledo Christian Schools Legacy Hall. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he especially enjoyed playing golf with friends, and he, along with his wife, are ardent followers of the University of Toledo football and basketball teams. Bob was also a member of Downtown Coaches, the Varsity T Club, Lady Rocket Fan Club and Woodlawn Golf Club. Bob has been an active church and Para-church organization member. He has been a Sunday School teacher and superintendent; board office and member in three churches; elder; member of Christian Businessmen; co-chairman of Heres Life Toledo, Gideon member and Bible distributor, as well as soliciting school presentations for World Impact Tours. He attends First Alliance Church and has been a member of the Board of Directors and co-chairman of the churchs Property Acquisition Committee. Visitation will be held from 2-8 pm on Friday December 30, 2016 at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave, Toledo 43623 (west of Corey Road). Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday December 31, 2016 in the First Alliance Church in Toledo. Interment will be private at Toledo Memorial Park. A special thank you to all those that cared for Bob including Billie Jo Pachey and Susie Ranes. Also to special friends Tom Snow And Pastor Frazier. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Billie Lou Carson Endowment, Waite High School, University of Toledo Athletic Foundation, First Alliance Church or Donors Choice. Online condolences may be given at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com