Lance Carson, 74, of Mitchell, SD, died Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at Fairview University Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Thursday, October 22, 2020 at the Mitchell Corn Palace. A private family burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Wednesday at the Corn Palace. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.
A live-stream of the service may be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/Trinity-Lutheran-Church-217387241978833
On October 14, 2020, Lance Allen Carson, fought one last battle, one that he would not be able to win. Lance beat health issues time and time again, each time coming out the victor. However, in the end, victory would be found in Heaven.
Lance Allen Carson was born in Madison, South Dakota on December 3, 1945 to Ferne and Ernest Carson. Each time he was asked his birth date, he proudly stated,”12345”. Lance was a graduate of Rutland High School, Class of 1964. He was also a graduate of Southern State Teachers College, Springfield, SD, with a degree in Auto Technology.
Donna Mae Downs caught the eye of a 16-year-old young man. On June 19, 1966 they started a life time of love and adventure that would last 54 years. Lance and Donna Mae’s marriage was one for the ages.
Lance worked in Brookings until he was drafted into the US Army in 1967. It was with great pride that Lance served with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam. Upon leaving Vietnam, Lance was awarded the Bronze Star.
Upon his return from Vietnam he returned to Brookings to work and later purchased Medary Standard, which he would own until he and Donna Mae sold the “station” to move to Mitchell in 1979. Lance’s Interstate Amoco would be a staple in the Mitchell community until 2003 when Lance and Donna Mae “retired”.
Serving District 20 in the State House of Representatives was a position that Lance did not seek as much as it sought him. Throughout his 10 years in office, Lance served on the Appropriations Committee with his fiscal tenacity. His service to the State of South Dakota will long be remembered. He may not have been a man of many words, but his words spoke volumes.
Lance served on a variety of boards and committees throughout Mitchell and the rest of the state. He served as Chairman of the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo, as well as the board for the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo. Lance also chaired The South Dakota State Fair Commission. Recently Lance was awarded the Bob Duxbury Award for his service to the SD State Fair. He was a member of the Palace City Lions Club, Davison County Republicans and many other organizations. The establishment of the Veteran’s Park on Main Street was a project that was dear to Lance’s heart.
Lance somehow found time to be a huge Green Bay Packer fan which lent itself to many a bet with Vikings fans. He was an avid SDSU Jackrabbit fan. There were many hunting trips taken without the rewards of the hunt, especially turkey hunting. Lance loved the outdoors and he and Donna Mae would take “road trips” along SD roads while listening to Willie Nelson music.
Although Lance was not a father, he was a father figure to many children young and old. These “kids” have described him as hero, warrior, mentor, boss, friend, and uncle.
Lance and Donna are members of Trinity Lutheran in Mitchell.
Lance Carson lived a life of service to his wife, family, his state, and his country.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Donna Mae; brother, Lloyd of Brookings; sisters, LeeAnn (Mel) Withnell of Pueblo CO., Larainne (Harlan) Gorath of Fairmont, MN, and Lyles (Tom) Lewis of Stockton, MO; sisters-in-law, Wanda Carson of Waconia, MN and Rose Carson of Mitchell. He is also survived by Donna’s brothers Myron (Clara) of Madison, SD and Milo of Lake Benton, MN; and friend, Caleb Larson. Uncle Lance will be remembered by many nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and Donna’s parents; 3 brothers, Lawrence, Leland and Lyman; sisters-in-law, Carol Carson, Neva Carson, and Karen Downs; brother and sister-in-law Wendell and Esther Downs.
Thank you to all who were a part of Lance’s life. Each and everyone one of you touched his heart. As we go on, continue to live your lives to honor his.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the organization of your choice in Lance’s memory.
We are profoundly sorry for the loss of your heroic Lance. A true "5 Star" friend to our family.
Thank you God for blessing us with Lance and know he will light your heart in heaven with his gracious spirit and love. We will miss everything about him but never forget him. If anything good came out of the Vietnam War it was sharing a bond of friendship for over 50 years.
With our deepest sympathy,
Diane and Mike, Lisa, Cynthia and Amy
Over the years we kept in touch. We got to visit with Lance and his "Bride/Angel over the years in both states. We both had heart and leukemia issues and could relate with each other as we grew older. I am a battler but do not hold a candle to "Lancelot." Rest In Peace my Good Friend."
Donna, you were the love of his life and added decades to his life. Our heart felt condolences.
Lance hired me to work at Medary Standard Service in Brookings, SD when I was only 14 years old. He was a tough but fair employer and working for him was good training for my eventual career in the military. Lance was a Vietnam War vet and even though he was Army, he ran a "tight ship"...he was conservative with praise and didn't hesitate to chew me out when I deserved it.
I worked for him for 5 years and he taught me a lot about paying attention to the little details...everything from showing up to work on time in a clean uniform to making sure all his tools were correctly cleaned and put away every evening.
He taught me how to deal with customers, especially unruly ones. I worked during the 1970s oil embargo, when we had to limit gas sales to 5 gallons per customer, and I had to deal with some seriously angry individuals, who decided I personally was to blame for our country's dealings with OPEC!
When Lance moved to Mitchell to run a new business, I still saw him from time to time as my National Guard unit met in Mitchell for our monthly training. I last saw him at my mother's funeral last year.
He'll be missed.
You were always very kind person, to