Raymond "Butch" Harold Carlson, age 79, of Penn Yan, NY passed away on Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital.

Butch was born in Penn Yan, NY on November 17th, 1944, the son of the late, Ray and Maggie Carlson. He attended Penn Yan Schools, graduating in 1962 from Penn Yan Academy. He drove a taxi for Fred Mashewske often shuttling Keuka College students between Penn Yan and Keuka Park, thus meeting his future wife, Nancy "Daisy" Guinter who he married in 1968. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1968, and then he attended Arizona State University. He and Daisy moved back to Pittsfield, MA where Butch was employed as a systems analyst for Seneca Foods. They later relocated back to Penn Yan where they owned and operated the Keuka Restaurant. Butch was a member of the American Legion and served as a veteran fiduciary, he was also a member of the Moose Club.  Butch was a father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and a friend to many. He loved family, golfing and a good time.

Butch is survived by the mother of his children, Daisy Carlson; daughter, Karen (Fred) Kiechle; son Timothy (Candice) Carlson; grandchildren, Alexandria, Tobin, Gage, and Ziggy; siblings, Sandi (Ray)Spencer, Terry (Kim) Carlson, Sheila (Tim) McMichael, several nieces and nephews, and companion, Leona Conrad. He was predeceased by his parents, Ray and Maggie Carlson; sister, Patsy (Abe) Acee and nephew, Michael White.

Friends and family may call from 3 pm to 5 pm on Friday, December 29th, 2023 at Townsend Wood & Zinger Funeral Home, 201 E. Elm St., Penn Yan, NY 14527. His funeral with Military Honors will follow at 5 pm at the funeral home. Interment will be at the convenience of his family at Second Milo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Butch's memory to the Johnson-Costello American Legion Post 355, 2001 Himrod Rd., Penn Yan, NY 14527 or to the charity of one's choice. Memories of Butch may be shared with his family and friends at townsendwoodzinger.com