Area artist, Theodore M. "Ted" Carlson, 89, died July 2, 2011 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City. He was born on May 11, 1922 at Bloom the son of Elmer Gustaf and Ruth (Esplund) Carlson.

Ted graduated from Ford High School and served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. After studying art at the Wichita Art Association, he returned to Southwest Kansas and worked as art director at Mayrath Machinery Company and The High Plains Journal. He also was the featured cartoonist for the Territorial Magazine for over 30 years, and he designed the wheat sculpture that stands in front of The High Plains Journal. In addition, he taught art through Kansas State University, Dodge City Community College, and in private lessons in his studio.

Ted was also a featured artist in the books, Kansas Murals, Kansas Landscapes, and American Artists of Renown, and served on the Kansas Arts Commission. He also designed many local area business logos.

In spite of his success, his greatest joy was his immediate and extended family, and his sense of humor was intact until the very end of his life. He loved Western Kansas and once wrote: "As I continue to paint the land and sky around me, I hope my paintings will get people to take a second look at the wonders of the Kansas landscape."

Mr. Carlson is survived by his loving wife of 62 years,Laura (Shelor) Carlson, whom he married on June 16, 1949 in Minneola and three children, Rhonda, Todd,and Troy. He was the proud grandfather of Shanna Sloyer, Laura and Kayla Patriquin, Beth and Teddy Carlson; step-grandchildren, Kendra Gough and Kaitlyn Fox; great-grandson, Ryan Sloyer; and step great-grandchildren, Gavin Gough and Leandra Mondragon. He is also survived by his younger brother, Harold Carlson, of California. He was preceded in death by his brother, Roland Carlson.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Dick Robbins presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City with military rites by Howard Gotschall Post #1714 V.F.W.. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 from 1:00 - 8:00 PM with family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.