Dr. Martin Carson

Marty Carson died May 9th, at his home in Roseville, MN with his wife Deb Crotchett by his side. Married for 44 years, every aspect of their life was intertwined. Through their many hiking adventures Marty shared with Deb his knowledge of the natural world. Marty loved the way Deb lived everyday life with a childlike spirit. Together they grew and designed spectacular species gardens: A legacy that will be forever cherished.

Marty was born in Moweaqua, Illinois, where his mother taught elementary school and his father owned and operated a grocery store. He was the youngest of four brothers. Marty received a B.S. degree in botany from Eastern Illinois University and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in plant pathology from the University of Illinois. In 1980, Carson joined the Plant Science Department at South Dakota State University, Brookings. In 1989, He joined the USDA-ARS Plant Science Research Unit, Raleigh, North Carolina, working on maize diseases. In 2002, he became research director of the USDA-ARS Cereal Disease Laboratory, St. Paul, Minnesota. Under his leadership, the CDL gained worldwide stature in the global efforts to mitigate crop losses due to plant disease. Marty's scientific expertise will be greatly missed.

Memorial Service, 11:00am, Saturday, May 25th Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater with a Visitation beginning at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, you can make a contribution to Deb Crotchett toward care and preservation of the garden and Marty's Rhododendron/Azalea breeding legacy.