Norman M. Carlson of Leisure World, Mesa, Arizona, passed away March 7, 2016 at the age of 87. He was born May 27, 1928 in Des Moines, Iowa to Carl Arthur and Yarda [Wyberg] Carlson. Norman earned his Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy at the University of Minnesota. During his college years, Norman served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Norman enjoyed playing golf, tennis and card games. He was an avid writer and had written seven self-published books, including two westerns and several progressive mysteries. Norman is survived by his longtime companion, Joan Scott; sons Steven (Denise) Carlson, and David (LeeAnn) Carlson; daughter Linda Carlson; step-daughters Debbie (David) Lovett, Barbara Green (Joe) Awalt and MaryLou Scott; his sisters Joan (John) Morin and Ardis (Tom) Starr; grandchildren Joshua, Ryan, Rachel, Johnna, and Gia as well as his great grandchildren Andrew, Hunter, Braxton and Lincoln. A celebration of his life will be held at Mariposa Gardens Cemetery Chapel, 6747 E. Broadway Road in Mesa on Friday, March 11, 2016. Arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens (480) 830-4422
