DOLAN SPRINGS, Ariz. – Former Hermiston resident Fred Earl Carlson Sr., 76, died Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, in Dolan Springs, Ariz. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham.

Mr. Carlson was born April 26, 1932, in Eagle Creek to Manfred and Tilda Carlson. He graduated from West Linn High School in 1950, and married Thelma Parrish that same year; they were married 54 years. He was the founder of Fred Carlson Electric in 1974.

Survivors include sons Fred Carlson Jr. and Vernon Carlson, both of Pasco, Wash.; daughters Kayleen Eder of Wisconsin, Verna Lee Carlson of Vancouver, Wash., and LaLoni Hedlund of LaPine; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and loving partner Katie Hunter.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma, and sisters Thelma Hieple and Margaret Bartlett.