Clifford L. Carlson, 1941-2007, Sedalia

Clifford Leroy “Pinky” Carlson, 65, of Sedalia, died Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.

He was born April 29, 1941, in Green Ridge, a son of Robert Clifford and Martha Elizabeth Pottorff Carlson.

He was raised and educated in Green Ridge and was a graduate of Green Ridge High School. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He worked in the auto body business for several years, before starting his own salvage business. He owned and operated Pinky’s Auto Salvage. He was an avid auto racing fan. He enjoyed flower gardens and antique farm machinery. He was a member of Green Ridge Baptist Church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Surviving are two children, Matthew Keller, of Sedalia, and Amanda Pittman, of Windsor; a brother, Jimmy Carlson, and his wife, Linda, of Sedalia; four sisters, Patricia Newport, of LaFeria, Texas, Betty Ollison, Kay Young and Anita McLemore, all of Green Ridge; and two grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents and loving companion, Arretta Kinder.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Bob Potter officiating. Pallbearers will be Ernie Walker, Mike White, Mitch Baslee, Todd Frederickson, Bill Meyers and Louie Dickman. Burial will be in La Monte Cemetery, with military rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2591. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral chapel, where the family will receive friends from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Disabled American Veterans, in care of the funeral chapel.