Richard Duane Carlson, 71, of Monon died Thursday, March 17, 2005 at St. Vincent's Hospital, Carmel.

He was born at Monon on November 9, 1933, to Richard "Dick" and Vernise (Spencer) Carlson. He married Artie Cook at Brookston on February 15, 1963. She survives.

He was a 1951 graduate of Monon High School.

He was a farmer all of his life. He also drove a school bus for North White School Corporation for 20 years.

He enjoyed college basketball, baseball (he was a fan of the Cubs and White Sox) and NASCAR racing~

He enjoyed driving his school bus and playing with his grandchildren.

Other survivors include sons, Ron (Molly) Carlson of Monticello and Mike (Deb) Carlson and Steve (Sharon) Carlson both of Monon; a daughter, Diana Carlson of Monticello; sisters Rachel (Ed) Carr of Clearwater, Fla., Lois Newman of Lafayette and Imogene (Bob) McLean of Clearwater, Fla., and grandchildren Samantha Carlson and Riley Carlson.

A brother Dean Carlson is deceased.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. today at Fisher-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home in Monticeilo with Rev. J.E. Cook officiating.

Burial was at Bedford Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or to the Monon First Response.