Philip Grant Carlson

Philip Grant Carlson
Des Moines, Iowa

Philip Grant Carlson, age 72, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Ramsey Village in Des Moines, after a lengthy battle with Vascular Dementia. Philip was born October 12, 1951, in Des Moines to Rev. John Grant Carlson and Elaine Marjorie (Lundahl) Carlson. Phil was a lifelong resident of Des Moines, retiring to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Phil, was a graduate of East High class of 1969, where he was very involved with many school activities, academics and athletics. A three-year Basketball letter winner, he set a single game scoring record of 51 points his senior year. He continued to play basketball at Grandview College while earning his Bachelors degree and then went on to Drake University earning a Masters Degree in Teacher Education and School Administration.

He began his teaching career in the Des Moines Public schools working first at the Douglas Learning Center, advancing to become the Administrative Director at Orchard Place, ending his career at Hoover High School as a Social Studies and History teacher.

He enjoyed fishing, snowshoeing in Minnesota, was a history buff, but his favorite passion was gardening, which he inherited from his father.

Philip is survived by his son Ethan Grant Carlson, a sister Ann Elaine Gustafson (Dave), brother Paul Lundahl Beytien-Carlson (Lisa). Nieces, Emily Gustafson, Libby Huemoeller (Joe), Abby Dube’ (Robert). Nephews, Matthew Gustafson (Melissa), Michael Gustafson (Keisha), Erik Gustafson (Lola).

Phil was preceded in death by his parents Rev. John Grant Carlson and Elaine Marjorie Carlson, a sister Elizabeth Ann Carlson, grandparents Carl and Etta Lundahl, Alec and Esther Carlson.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Teacher Education Department at Grandview University or to the Athletic Department at Des Moines East High School.

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