John Nick Carson Jr.

Mr. John Nick Carson Jr., passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on November 16, 2025. He was 89 years young. He was one of a kind, a man of faith and integrity, generous with his love and kindness, hardworking up until the day he died, pillar of his family and community, no better friend ever lived, he was a good man.

John Nick Carson, Jr. Nick and later Papa Nick to all who knew and loved him was born August 2nd, 1936, to parents John Nicholas Carson and Maria Donaciana MacDonald Carson in El Paso, TX. He was the proud older brother of Ana Margarita Carson Baum. He was an amazing athlete. He excelled at football, basketball, and baseball. He was also a three-time golden glove boxing champion. Between his junior and senior year of high school, he decided to pursue the Catholic seminary, his faith always playing a major role in his life. Fortunately, for all of us, he had the courage to change his mind, mostly he was disappointed that the only sport they played was marbles, and for holy cards, nonetheless. He was sidelined the beginning of his senior year because of his brief stent in the seminary, when Cathedral played Hatch Valley High in Hatch, NM. This twist of fate provided the opportunity for him to encounter his future wife, Irene “Rena” Evangeline Franzoy who was smitten with the tall, handsome, charming young man. A chance meeting, but an impression that would linger. After high school, Rena, anxious for adventure, left her small town for a job at the FBI in Washington, DC. When the opportunity arose, she requested a transfer to the El Paso field office, she had one person she wanted to reconnect with, Nick Carson. With the passing of his beloved father at the age of 27, Nick was working for the railroad and had assumed the role of protector, guardian, and champion of women, a visionary for his time, and equally matched for the trail blazer that would be his match. They complimented each other in every way. His generous spirit and people skills paired perfectly with her drive and sense of purpose.

Nick and Rena married January 19, 1958. For 67 years, they spent very little time apart, challenging, supporting and loving each other every day. It is hard to envision a world with only one of the two pillars that built Kit Carson Farms. Nick had the intelligence and courage to support Rena in her passion of farming, they did not inherit the family farm, they built their own legacy from the ground up. Their work ethic and determination led to multiple businesses including Kit Carson Farms, Rio Valley Chile, Rio Valley Onion, Grain, and Pecan. It truly is a family business with their three sons, Robert Alexander “Bruno”, John “Rory”, and Renee “Kit” Carson each playing critical roles in the farm operation. Chelle Carson Sales Coordinator and Customer Service at Rio Valley Chile. Rose Marie “Rosie” Carson Lack, their only daughter, the glue that holds the family together, is resilient in spirit, stands firm in her beliefs, and has been deeply devoted to her parents, manages Rio Valley Onion as well as owns and runs an adjacent farm, Lack Farms. Papa Nick also encouraged his grandchildren to contribute to the family business. Melissa Carson is Director of Planning and Scheduling and Shelbey Carson is head of Quality Assurance at Rio Valley Chile. Chantze serves as irrigation specialist and crop management, Chase Michael equipment management, Shane Cooper mechanic, and Chandler Carson arm management hand. Alex Carson manages trucking and transportation. Ashley Carson is Vice President of Kit Carson Farms. As this highlights, family meant everything to Papa Nick. He was our role model and the quintessential gentleman. He never missed church, a day of work, or a game played by one of his grandkids. Our hearts will break every time we drive by Rio Valley Chile and do not see his truck parked outside.

Nick Carson is survived by his wife Rena Carson and four children Robert “Bruno” Carson and Jenny Gutierrez, Rosie and Joe Paul Lack, Jr., John “Rory” Carson and Anita Evans, Renee “Kit” and Michelle “Chelle” Carson. His grandchildren Loretta and Mark “Andy” Nastoupil, Racheal and Jake Carpenter, Rebecca “Becky” and Cody Sipes, Melissa Carson, Alex and Diamond Carson, Ashley Carson, Nicholas and Audrey Carson, Kelcie Carson, Tory and Steven Newman, Chandler Carson, Chantze Carson and Sydnie Hodges, Shelbey Carson and Joey Covarrubias, Chase Michael and Chelsi Brown, Shane Cooper and Kyndal Fenn. Great grandchildren Colten and Hannah Carpenter, Grace Carpenter, Logan Sipes, Zoe Sipes, Luke Sipes, Ansley Nastoupil, Vivian Nastoupil, Sterling Carson, Kash Carson, Cameron Carson, John Hayes Carson, Clay Banks Carson, and Rhys Amelia Newman. He also had one great- great grandchild Bridget Carpenter. He is also survived by his sister Ana and Ed Baum, and his five nieces and nephews. Nick is preceded in death by his father John Carson and Maria Carson.

Services will be held at Our Lady of All Nations Catholic Church, 1973 Rincon Rd, Rincon, NM 87940 on Saturday November 22, 2025. Family viewing will be held from 8-8:30, Public viewing 8:30-9:00, Rosary at 9:30. Mass will follow around 10:00 am. A luncheon will be held at Rio Valley Onion, 3257 Railroad Rd, Rincon, NM.

Pallbearers: Alex Carson, Nicholas Carson, Chandler Carson, Chantze Carson, Chase Michael Carson, Shane Cooper Carson

Honorary pallbearers: Colten Carpenter and Logan Sipes