CarsonGaylandGayland W. Carson, 71, of Gustine, TX passed away Saturday, December 13, 2014 in Fort Worth, TX. Funeral services, under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home of Comanche, will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday December 15th at the Heartland Chapel. Interment will follow at the Siloam Cemetery near Gustine in Comanche County. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday the 14th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Come by the funeral home to sign the register to the family or go online at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.

Gayland was born May 18, 1943, in Dallas, TX to Dink and Hattie (Robinson) Carson. He attended school and graduated from Gustine High School. He later attended Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Science in AG Education. After graduation, Gayland continued his education with Special Ed Certification, Principle Certification, Mid-management & Superintendent Certification, Small Engine Repair Certification, and his Masters of Administration in Education. Gayland began teaching Special Education in Hamilton, TX and then taught Special Education in Dublin ISD, and was Superintendent in Mullin, TX. Gayland was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gustine. He was very civic-minded while actively serving his community as a member of the Lions Club, Constable of Gustine, the Gustine Rodeo Club, Gustine VFD, an EMT, on the Gustine School Board, the Gustine City Council, and often he frequented a “chair” at the City Café in Gustine.

Gayland and Sue were high school sweethearts. They worked hand in hand in all of their daily activities. Gayland’s hobby was tending to their cattle, which was work but Gayland enjoyed it. Gayland enjoyed his family, people and teaching.

Gayland is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sue Carson; son; Darren Carson and wife Cody of Eula, TX; daughter, Tammie Hicks of Stephenville; grandchildren, Chelsea Hicks, Destiny & Dakota Carson; extended family, Wednesday Henry, Brittany Wilson, and Ryan Fizer, Lana & Erskine McDermott & family, James & Lisa Terrell; nieces, Stacy Day and husband Randy, Maranda & Travis Day of Keller, TX, Shelby Clark, Coltin & Katilyn of FT. Worth, TX,  Mandy Rivers & Michael, Taylor & Britliegh Rivers of Louisiana; nephew, Richard Carson, Lisa & Grant of Wisconsin; numerous cousins & families.

Gayland was preceded in death by parents, Dink and Hattie Carson; brother, Bub Carson, twin nephews, Ronald and Donald Carson; in-laws, Novis and Henry Tarter.