Charles S. Sonny Carson, 88

Charles S. "Sonny" Carson, 88, of Sedalia, passed away Saturday, October 27, 2012, at the Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center.   He was born November 22, 1923, in Sedalia, the son of Charles and Virgie Scott Carson.  On November 26, 1942, in Sedalia, he married Elizabeth E. Bolch, who passed away June 12, 2002.   Mr. Carson attended Fristo grade school for eight years, and graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in 1941. He worked for Coca-Cola Bottling Company before being drafted into the U.S. Army in December 1942 to serve in World War II.   He served as a gunner instructor for a time. He was serving in Scotland and Great Britain in 1944, before moving to France, where he joined the 4th Armored Division. He was a tanker gunner, tank commander and driver. He was wounded March 28, 1945, on the front lines, on a mission that failed to free General Patton's son-in-law who was a Prisoner of War. When the mission failed, they had no air support and were out of gas and ammo. Charles was a Prisoner of War for 33 days before returning to the U.S. He earned three bronze stars and the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged October 1, 1945, with the rank of sergeant.   He had worked as a milk inspector at Tullis-Hall Dairy for 37 years and owned Carson's Service at 16th and Ingram until December 1998. Charles was a life member of Disabled American Veterans, a member of VFW Post 2591, the NRA, American Legion Post 16, the 4th Armored Division Association and Teamsters Union No. 534.  He was a gun collector, liked to deer hunt, and liked watching NASCAR and football.   Surviving are a daughter, Harriett Lamm; a sister, Doris Herman; a granddaughter, Valarie Schultz; and two great-granddaughters, Vada Schultz and Vinassa Cantrell, all of Sedalia.   Charles was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.   Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Heckart Funeral Home, with Rev. Ed Broyles officiating.   Casket bearers will be Fred Suroff, Charles Amos, David Carson, Bob Engles, Joe Schultz and Jack Smith.   Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery with full military honors.   The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Heckart Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sedalia Animal Shelter.