Fort Deposit Bids Farewell to Pastor Arnold Dennis Carlson

Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Memorial service at Fort Deposit Methodist Church

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News Summary

The community of Fort Deposit mourns the passing of Pastor Arnold Dennis Carlson, who served as a beloved leader of the Fort Deposit Methodist Church. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 20, 2025, at the age of 87. Known for his dedication and gentle spirit, Carlson’s ministry touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on the community. His memorial service was held on March 9, 2025, as friends and family gathered to celebrate his life and legacy.

Fort Deposit Says Farewell to Beloved Pastor Arnold Dennis Carlson

Fort Deposit is a little quieter today after the passing of Pastor Arnold Dennis Carlson, the cherished leader of the Fort Deposit Methodist Church. He left us peacefully in his sleep on February 20, 2025, at the age of 87, while residing at Pine Needle Assisted Living in Greenville. His gentle spirit touched many lives throughout his long and dedicated ministry.

A Life Dedicated to Faith

Arnold Carlson was born on June 14, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, as the oldest of the late Elsie and Arnold Carlson’s children. Early on, he set the course for a life dedicated to serving others. Initially, he attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, laying the groundwork for an incredible journey that would take him through various states and communities.

After exploring his faith, Carlson turned to the ministry. He enrolled at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Springfield, Illinois, where he completed his studies in May 1964. His journey in faith led him to be ordained at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Walled Lake just a month later. His early career took him to several Lutheran Churches in South Dakota, New York, and Pennsylvania. With each congregation, he built bridges of community and faith that would last long after he moved on.

A Transformative Journey

In a surprising twist, Carlson relocated to Mobile, Alabama, where a spiritual evolution prompted him to work in financial institutions for a time. However, his heart eventually led him back to his calling. Carlson enrolled in the Emory University Candler School of Theology, where he completed a rigorous five-year course. His commitment to his studies was commendable, and his instructors thought nothing less than amazing things awaited him in ministry.

In 1995, after being ordained into the Methodist Ministry of the Alabama West Florida Conference, Carlson began a new chapter in his life. His first appointment took him to the Chatom United Methodist Church, but it was just the beginning. A few years later, in June 1997, he found his true home at the Fort Deposit Methodist Church, where he would become a beloved figure.

A Community Leader

Throughout his many years of service in Fort Deposit, Carlson not only led the Methodist Church there but also took on roles at the Dexter Avenue Methodist Church in Montgomery and Linden Methodist Church. His influence resonated strongly in the community, and even after reaching the Methodist retirement age of 70, he chose to continue serving his beloved congregation.

Carlson also led the Oak Grove Church, which later closed but contributed to his legacy of unwavering faith and dedication. His departure leaves a deep void, but his teachings and spirit will undoubtedly live on.

A Loving Family Man

Pastor Carlson was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane Lynn Carlson, as well as his parents, a son named Kevin, a sister, a brother, and two stepsons. His family includes his daughter, Karin Bongiorno, and her husband Nino from New Orleans, son Keith Carlson and his wife Cherokee from The Woodlands, Texas, and three grandchildren: Giuseppe Bongiorno, Garrett Carlson, and Ashley Carlson. He also leaves behind his siblings and several nieces and nephews who are no doubt mourning the loss of their beloved brother, uncle, and friend.

A Celebration of Life

A Memorial Service took place on March 9, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Fort Deposit Methodist Church, where countless friends, family, and congregants gathered to pay their respects. This was a chance to reminisce about the cherished memories of this remarkable man and the huge impact he made in the lives of all who knew him.

As Fort Deposit mourns, the community undoubtedly rallies together, united in the teachings and love Pastor Arnold Dennis Carlson leaves as his lasting legacy. Those wishing to express their condolences can do so online through Dunklin Funeral Home’s website. It’s a time for reflection, support, and a shared understanding of a life well lived.