Rodger Carson, 81, of Lake Wales passed away Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, at the Winter Haven Hospital.

Rodger was born May 1, 1931, in Portage County, Ohio, to the late Lee B. and Hilda V. (Eans) Carson and has been a resident of Lake Wales since 1990 moving here from Salem, Ohio. He was a retired Regional Sales Manager for Reynolds Metal Company. He was a Past All State Commander of the VFW and member of the Elks Lodge, Eagles, and American Legion all in Ohio. Rodger was a devoted 32nd degree Mason since being raised in 1968. Rodger served on many Mason Committees from 2000 – 2010. He was past grand representative in 2006, past district instructor in 2004, past district deputy grandmaster in 2005, past grand pursuant in 2009. Rodger also served many officers positions in the Masonic lodge including Chaplain, Senior Warden, Junior Warden and Worshipful Master. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving in the U.S. Army and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales. Survivors include his wife, Golda Mae Carson of 61 years; daughters, Linette M. (Rex) Simmons of Georgetown, Texas, Ruthie (Mike) Snyder of Salem, Ohio, Melanie (Greg) Gumbrecht of Davisburg, Mich.; brother, Ronald Lucas of Winter Haven, Fla.; nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Memorial services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home with the Rev. Chad Reynolds officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Masonic Home of Florida. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

Marion Nelson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.