Joseph Thomas Carson was born on July 14, 1963, to Joseph A. and Darlene S. Carson in Fort Collins, Colorado. He attended public schools in Sundance, Wyoming, and Hardin, Montana. Joe was proud of his heritage and his country, and he was enrolled in the Sault St. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

After leaving high school, Joe joined the United States Army. Following in the footsteps of his father; he was a hard worker and demonstrated many talents throughout his life. Joe worked in the woods as a logger, served as a ranch hand, truck wash, and took on various odd jobs across the country until he became disabled. Joe regularly attended LifeSpring Methodist Church and Celebrate Recovery meetings in Sturgis, South Dakota. He cherished the outdoors and spent much of his summers camping, fishing, or working in the yard . He loved gardening and spent hours on the riding mower ensuring the yard was always manicured.

Joe had a kind and generous heart, always ready to help others without expecting anything in return. He had a special love for animals and was affectionately called “the dog whisperer.”

Joe was taken from us suddenly on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

He is survived by his siblings: Carol A. Carson-Hull, Michigan; Gary L. Carson (Denise) of Washington; Kathy J. White (Ron) of South Dakota; Kevin J. Carson (Diana) of Montana; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Joseph A. Carson; his mother Darlene S. (Peters) Cayton; his brothers Terry A. Carson (Justine LaBlanc), Richard N. Carson, and David J. Carson; his sister Judy M. Cayton; his nephew Charles Wood, his nieces Michelle Seymour and Shyla Cayton; his great-nieces Angel Duvall, Kassidae Carson and Aylssa Reardon, his great-nephew Brendon Carson, and Brother-in-law Scott Hull.

Joe will be laid to rest with military honors at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, South Dakota, Friday, January 30, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

His family wishes to thank everyone for their thoughts, love, and prayers. Joe was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.