This month we would like to spotlight Reo and Janice Carson.  When Reo was born his parents lived in Salem.  He is the youngest with two older sisters, Mary Jo (Tervort) and Karen.  Reo's parents were Clifton and Ruth Carson.  At one time Clifton was the City "Cop" and Justice of the Peace.  Reo is now 70 years young.  Janice is also the youngest with three older sisters, Rowene, Carol and Sharon.  Janice's parents, Harvey and Donna Huff, were from Spanish Fork.  She is 68.  Reo's friend was dating Janice's friend.  They were both "rodding" Spanish Fork Main Street, so they introduced Reo and Janice to each other.  What a beginning.

Reo graduated from HIgh School in 1962.  He went to Snow College that fall ; then had to quit to help his dad.  In 1964 he joined the Coast Guard Reserve.  He served a little over a year.  He came home and joined the Utah National Guard, Springville Unit under Don Cole.  He was in the Guard for five years.

He and Janice married in 1965.  They just celebrated 48 years of marriage.  They have one son, Raul, who lives in Salem, and four daughters: JaNae Briggs, Kennewick, Washington; Colette Johnson, Salem; Tara Davis, Salem; and Natalie Hutchinson, Payson.  They have 20 grandchildren who they love very much.

Reo's grandfather, George Carson, had a home at 298 West Center, Salem.  Reo's dad tore the old house down and built a new one at the same locaton.  When Reo and Janice were married they lived in Spanish Fork for a couple of years; then moved into this home and lived there until just recently when they built a new home at 1150 South 250 West, Salem.  Their son, Raul, now lives in the home on Center Street.  Reo's great grandfather, grandfather, and father were all in the sheep business so naturally Reo followed this, he said as a hobby.  They raise purebred sheep and enjoy going to California in April for the Ram Sales.  Becuase of health issues, he has turned the farm and sheep business over to Raul and his son.

Reo enjoyed Salem Pond growing up.  He remembers skating on the pond, swimming in the pond and one time throwing Janice in the pond.  He went to school in Salem from Kindergarten to Jr. High.  He played the saxophone in the Jr. High and High School bands but says he can no longer read music.

Reo worked with Janice's father and learned the plumbing trade.  He then worked construction with the Plumbers Union.  He retired after 41 years.  Janice has supported Reo with his "hobby".  She attended beauty school and worked as a beautician for two years.  She also worked at Jerry's Dairy, for an orthodontist, a dentist, then retired herself.  She now volunteers as a Pink Lady at Mountain View Hospital.  Just after retiring they went on a cruise to Alaska.  They said this was a trip of a life time.

Reo was a member of the Salem Lion's Club for several years.  Through this he and Janice helped with the Easter Egg Hunt and Salem Days Breakfast.

When asked about their talents and interests, Reo said he enjoys the farm and being out with the sheep and seeing the new lambs.  His kids gave him a spotting scope for Christmas so now he sits and looks up on the mountain to see the wonders of nature.  Janice likes to read and do hand work: crocheting, knitting, embroidery and would like to learn to quilt.  She said she has an iPad to play games on (Reo said "Ya").

They are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Reo has seved as a Ward Clerk, Elders Quorum President and High Priest Group Leader.  Janice has served as president of the Primary, Young Women and Relief Society and has taught classes in these organizations.

Reo said when they were first married he had a hard time getting Janice to move to Salem, but now you couldn't drag her away.  She said it is a nice place to raise a family and she enjoys the smaller community.

Reo, may you continue to enjoy the mountains, and Janice your iPad.

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