Donald Carlson

     Donald E. Carlson, 61, died on Saturday, August 25, 2018, at his home in Waterford, Pa., following an extended illness.  He was born on April 11, 1957, in Erie, son of the late John Gilbert and Beatrice Susan Zwilling Carlson.  A 1975 graduate of Fort LeBoeuf High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 1981, and continued his education taking graduate courses at St. Bonaventure University, Alleghany, NY.  Mr. Carlson taught school and coached football at Cameron County High School, Emporium, Pa. for three years.  He then had the privilege of returning to his alma mater, Fort LeBoeuf, where he taught chemistry and general science classes at the high school for 34 years, coached wrestling at the junior high school for ten years, and was the advisor for the JETS (Junior Engineering Technical Society) Team which competed locally.  He spent many summers managing the water park at Waldameer.  He was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Erie, where he was a Eucharistic Minister and served on Church Council, Dufford Terrace Board of Directors, and the Social Ministry, Evangelism, and Call Committees.  He was a member of South Erie Turners and the Siebenbuerger Club, bowled with the Perry Square Bowling League and the LeBoeuf Bowling League for 42 years, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and gardening.  
     He was preceded in death by his parents.  
     Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Wendy C. Lawton Carlson; two stepsons, Robert and Roy Thoms of Waterford; a sister, Susan Carlson of Erie; two nieces, Rebecca and Emma Carlson of Erie; his mother-in-law, Mary Swartz Lawton of Waterford; and four aunts, two uncles and many cousins.  
     Friends may call Tuesday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle Street.  A service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 2216 Peach Street, Wednesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Erik Young officiating.  Burial will be at Waterford Cemetery.