Carl Schlesinger, age 87, of Tuscumbia, passed away peacefully at his home on the family farm on Sunday, May 4, 2008. He was born on November 21, 1920, in Tuscumbia, son of Frank Sam and Mary Jane (Burks) Schlesinger. While stationed in Frederick, Maryland, with the U.S. Army, he was married to Grace Summers on September 2, 1944. Grace preceded him in death on August 28, 2002, after 58 years of marriage.

He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of Mt. Zion Christian Church where he served as deacon for more than 50 years and Sunday school superintendent and Sunday school teacher for over 30 years.

Survivors include one son, Frank Schlesinger and wife Colleen of Tuscumbia; five daughters, Mary Carole Luse of Springfield, Anne Andrews and husband George of Tuscumbia, Betsy Albertson and husband Larry of Dixon, Jane Albert and husband Chuck of Jefferson City, and Kathy Haralson and husband Danny of Lee's Summit; one daughter-in-law, Pat Schlesinger of Nashville, Georgia; one brother, Leber Schlesinger of Tucson, Arizona; two sisters, Rose Jackson of Eldon and Lena Farley of Sacramento, California; 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; one son, Philip Schlesinger in 2006; one grandson, David Curbow in 1986; one brother, Klauher Schlesinger in 1944; two sisters, Olive Shipley and Ruth Scrivner; a half-brother, John Schlesinger; and a son-in-law, Wayne Luse.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, at Mt. Zion Christian Church near Tuscumbia. Bro. Gene Edwards and Bro. Charlie Worstell will officiate. Interment with military honors will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday at Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Mt. Zion Christian Church, dedicated for expansion and upkeep of the sound system, where Carl loved to hear special music each Sunday.