Son of Willie & Lourena Hennessee Cantrell

Husband of Oda Dudley

Husband of Billie Johns (1972)

Carson Cantrell passed away on January 22, 2013 in Muncie, Indiana. He was born on August 29, 1925 in McMinnville, Tennessee to Willie & Lou Hennessee Cantrell.

Carson served his country in the US Navy. During his time in the Navy, he served on the USS Strickland as the ship's barber.

After leaving the Navy, Carson married Oda Dudley. They moved to Muncie, Indiana where Carson worked at Acme Lees. During this time, Carson attended and graduated from the International Barber School of Indianapolis. In 1953 he opened his own shop on the south side of Muncie.

Cantrell's Barber Shop, the oldest traditional barber shop in Muncie, has served generations of customers, many becoming lifetime friends of Carson. His business story has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, along with numerous local newspaper articles.

Carson was very proud of his humble childhood. He shined shoes and sold newspapers on the streets of Chattanooga and at Camp Forest Army Base in Tullahoma, Tennessee. He did this to support his family. He would take great pride in describing himself as "Just an old hillbilly who worked hard and saved his money".

Carson was well connected "behind the scenes" in local politics. His support helped numerous candidates get elected throughout his fifty plus years behind his barber chair. His name proved to be a great reference for those seeking employment, and he was quick to help when he could.

Carson's main hobbies were running his business and visiting with his customers. He would always welcome the chance to have breakfast at Brunner's with his sons and grandchildren.

Carson was a fifty year member of the Muncie Masonic Lodge. Later in life Carson was proud to become a member of True Light Baptist Church. He looked forward to attending when his health allowed.

This gentle, caring, southern man was preceded in death by his parents; a younger sister, Shirley; his wife, Billie; the mother of his two sons, Oda Belle Cantrell and a grandson, Tyler Allyn Cantrell.

Carson leaves behind two sons, three granddaughters, one step-daughter, one step-son, one grandson, two step-grandchildren, two great-grandsons, and two brothers. (Names omitted per FG policies).