Donald Forrest Carlson of Indio, California, died Monday, Nov. 20, 2017, at the age of 88.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Lorene Carlson; daughters Robin Norsworthy and Jayne Reed; son-in-law, Wayne Reed; grandchildren Justyn Plath, Libby Bicknell, Rebecca Epperson and Kevin Reed; and six great-grandchildren.

Don was born March 29, 1929, in Albert Lea and graduated in 1953 from University of Minnesota with a degree in human resources. In college he served as cadet colonel in the ROTC unit and received a commission in the Army as second lieutenant. After graduation he served in the Army, honorably discharged as a first lieutenant with two years active service and six years in the reserves. Don owned several businesses in Torrance and Rolling Hills Estates, California. Using his musical talent, Don directed and sang in church and community choirs, did solo and quartet singing and played trombone in Albert Lea, Rolling Hills Estates, Big Bear Lake and Indio. Believing that volunteering is important for local causes, Don contributed his time to the Salvation Army, the American Legion Auxiliary and numerous charity golf tournaments. In his lifetime, Don served as president of the Kiwanis Club, the Navy League and was a member of the American Legion.

Don will be significantly missed for his witty storytelling and wonderful sense of humor.

Memorial services will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday in Clubhouse 2, Rancho Casa Blanca RV Resort, 84136 Avenue 44 in Indio.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks others to donate to their favorite charity or The Navigators — Ted and Karey Yeats, 1243 Colonial Road, McLean, Virginia 22101.