Wesley Carson

Memorial for long time business owner, entrepreneur - one who would greet you with a smile and a handshake, Wesley “Wes” Carson, will be held at Rosser Funeral Home in Cleburne, Texas at 2:00 P.M., Saturday February 17, 2024, with Pastor Ray Lane of Triple Cross Cowboy Church in Granbury, Texas officiating.

Wes Carson, 84, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023 in Granbury, Texas.  He was born on October 11, 1939, in Frederick, Oklahoma (Tillman County) to Raymond and Melba (Hofacket) Carson.  

Raised in rural Oklahoma, Comanche County between Faxon and Chattanooga, his family farmed over 2,000 acres and raised cattle.  The family also had a custom harvesting business traveling north to Kansas, Nebraska and other states to cut wheat.  Whilst, Wes was tasked with managing farm workers at an early age in his life.

From childhood, Wes learned the value of faith.  His parents were daily examples and were active members at First Baptist Church of Chattanooga, where Wes professed Jesus as his Savior and Lord.

Wes dearly loved being a member of the local FFA Chapter at Chattanooga High School.   He raised steers and lambs.  He won multiple awards with his animal projects and was awarded with Grand Champion Lamb at the Tulsa State Fair.  

Upon graduation, Wes was denied any military service duties due to a busted arm that occurred when he fell off a combine during a harvest season.  Unfortunately, the local doctor set his arm incorrectly leaving him with a crooked arm.  He loved his country and would have served it proudly.

Wes enrolled and graduated with honors in Agriculture with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy with an emphasis in Soils from Oklahoma State University.    He was a member of Alpha Zeta and from one of his courses, Wes initiated the technology of no till farming in his local community.  While in college in 1961, he married Karen Sue Humble in Chattanooga.

After graduating, he interviewed with DEKALB Seed Company in Chicago.  The experience led him to realize he was not cut out to be a “company man” with a large corporation.  Wes returned to Faxon and started a family having two daughters.  He continued farming with his father in Faxon and started raising hot house (greenhouse) vine ripen tomatoes.  

In 1969, Wes moved his family to Cleburne, Texas to continue raising hot house tomatoes which he sold to Thom Thumb grocery stores in the Metroplex and to Roland Dickey, one of the original owners of what is called Dickies BBQ.  Some may remember Wes sold tomatoes out of a converted dairy barn on the family property close to Nolan River.  During the early 1970’s, one would drive on a country road connected to Woodard Ave, since altered by the airport runway expansion.  Nowadays, the moved road is called Woodard Ave located south of the airport.   The store initially was on a “self-pay” honor system, which made it unique.  The going price for years was three pounds for $1.00 for the best tasting tomatoes ever!.  Customers would pick through boxes of freshly picked vine ripen greenhouse tomatoes and walk away with large bags filled to the top.  For collections, Wes used an Edward’s Cigar box.  He placed a few dollar bills and some coins inside for guests to make their own change if needed.  At times, the box would be stuffed full of dollar bills from the purchases from customers.  This honor system lasted a while until some teenager discovered the box of easy cash.   To this day, it is not uncommon to hear people mention the City should have named that section of Woodard, Tomato Road.

In 1974, a colder winter front was predicted to pass through the area.  Wes had to make a difficult decision not to heat the acres of greenhouses and allow the plants to freeze.  This decision led Wes to purchase a pest management firm from a church member who had proposed the offer several times.  This started Noel Irwin & Carson Pest Control which later became Carson Pest Management.  Wes started out as the smallest company in the area and becoming one of the largest firms.   Wes was an innovator in the industry.   He not only grew the business, but he also started a commercial vegetation treatment division and a greenlawn commercial and residential division which he later sold to CHEMLAWN.   

Wes Carson has been an employer in the Cleburne area for 55 years serving over 22 cities and communities.   He built a great team over the years and wanted the best for each individual team member.

Wes was a member of the Early Bird Kiwanis Club as well as other community associations, and he served on numerous boards associated with the pest management industry.  While living in Cleburne, Wes was a member of Field Street Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and a Sunday school teacher for tenth grade young men, one of which cut his tie off for fun.  He also enjoyed square dancing with the Cleburne Curly Q’s and traveling.

In 1996, Wes moved to Granbury and later married Jackie Worley.  He enjoyed working around the house, yard and his workshop, often helping neighbors or his church with their projects.  There was always a venture happening at home or with someone improving, creating, or building.   Over the years, Wes was fond of RV traveling over the USA, organizing the De Cordova Bend RV Club, antiquing in old hardware stores and hosting events with family and friends.

He became a member of Triple Cross Cowboy Church.  He was actively involved as the leader for the Facilities Team and helped co-organized the men’s weekly Saturday breakfast.  He frequently, participated in horse & trail riding, arena events, dances and chili cook offs.  He loved the western style of fellowship and worship.

For the temporary stay on earth, Wes understood his role as servant of Jesus.  He loved people and wanted the best for them now and for eternity.

Wes was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joanna Selph.                                                                           

Survivors include his wife Jackie, of Granbury and daughters Susan Carson, of Warsaw, Poland and Staci Carson, of Cleburne; Stepsons Kirk Worley and Nathan Worley (Tonya); Step grandchildren Remington Worley, Lia Stroud (Dakota), Colton Worley and Cody Worley (Stacey); four Step great grandchildren and brother-in-law Wade Selph, of Arkansas and nephews Kenneth Selph and Russell Selph of Arizonia.

Donations may be given in memory of Wes Carson to IMB (International Mission Board,) – Northeast Poland Team, Triple Cross Cowboy Church or Field Street Baptist Church.

http://imb.org/give/project/northeast-poland-team/