Barry Carlson

Barry Dale Carlson, 80, passed peacefully on October 27, 2023, at EIRMC under the care of BRIO Hospice.

Barry was the oldest child of Gwendolyn and Dale Eugene Carlson. Raised in Idaho Falls, he decided to leave school, hitched a train to Dillon, Montana, and worked on a ranch in Wisdom, Montana, for a few years. Upon returning to Idaho Falls, he opted to go into the U.S. Navy rather than returning to high school. He completed high school many years later through LaVerne PREP while his ship was docked at Naval Station 32nd Street in San Diego. This is where he met his wife, Nancy, who was an administrator of the high school completion program.

During his 20-year naval career he served on the USS Providence, USS Oklahoma City, USS Schenectady, and USS Dixon. While on shore duty he taught Basic Electricity and Electronics at the Great Lakes Training Center. He served nearly 10 years in the Pacific from the time. Vietnam was called a police action through most of the war. He was injured while serving on the USS Dixon in a line-of-duty accident that resulted in pain and medical challenges for the rest of his life. Post-injury he served his last two years working for the Staff Civil Engineer at Naval Station 32nd Street. He retired as an EMC and knew all things electrical.

He returned to Idaho Falls where he and Nancy raised their daughter, Nicole. Even with his disabilities, he was able to work for Yellowstone Care Center and Group Homes for 19 years as their maintenance man. He made sure he did outdoor activities with his family. They hunted, fished, white water rafted, snowmobiled, camped, and went four wheeling. He drew a moose permit right after retiring and successfully got his moose! When his knees would not allow him to tent camp, he enjoyed RVing. He was extremely proud of his daughter, Nicole, and her successes as a nurse. His greatest pleasure was helping with his grand twins. Even though his mobility was limited, he did what he could to be involved in their lives.

His earthly struggles with health challenges and pain took their toll and he opted to go through no more operations. He passed peacefully with his daughter and wife, his devoted care giver, at his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gwen and Dale Carlson; and brother and sister-in-law, Dennis (Karen) Carlson.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Carlson; daughter Nicole (Brandon) Storer; grand twins, Max and Savannah Storer; and sisters, Barbara (Darrell) Byerly and Laurie (Mike) Bickley.

The family thanks the many doctors, PAs, and nurses who helped Barry with his medical challenges, the EIRMC ER and PCU staff, IF VA Medical Clinic, and BRIO Home Health and Hospice. There will be no services. Donations to the American Legion Idaho Falls Post 56 Memorial Team, 253 N 4300 E, Rigby, ID 83442 would be appreciated.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.