Earl Parker Carlton Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Earl Parker Carlton, 97, of Avon Road, Carrollton died Tuesday, December 2, 2014 in his home with his family at his side. He was born, March 8, 1917, in Mantua, Ohio, a son of the late Horace and Nettie Schiebe Carlton and husband of the late Marie Carlton, his wife of 60 years. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1941 and remained a loyal Buckeye throughout his life. Earl served as a Naval Officer in the Pacific during WW II. Returning home, he began a 27 year career with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service in Summit County. In 1952, he began yearly plantings of Christmas trees on Mrs. Carlton’s grandparents’ farm in Carroll County. The trees were harvested and sold by his family in the Cuyahoga Falls area. Eventually his three sons joined him in partnership. The farm and business grew and Carlton Tree Farms Inc., a tree farm nursery developed. Earl served on the Ohio Reclamation Board of Review for 25 years. He received numerous awards including being named to the Conservation Hall of Fame and the Christmas Tree Growers Hall of Fame. He belonged to and held leadership positions in many organizations, including Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Christmas Tree Growers, Great Divide Ruritan, Farm Bureau, Ohio Bluebird Society, and Pelican Club. He was a member of Carrollton First United Methodist Church and former member of Cuyahoga Falls FUMC. He was a 70 year Mason. He had a special fondness for Bluebirds. He made and distributed many Bluebird houses along with education to support their habitat. He was an avid bridge player. Earl was a family man, a conservationist, and a farmer who loved people. He will be long remembered for his kindness, knowledge, wit and generosity. He is survived by three sons, Rick (Cathy), Ron (Judy), Bruce (Catherine) all of Carrollton; and one daughter, Linda Haskett (Jim) of Stow; nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 12:00 noon at Carrollton First United Methodist Church with Pastor Dan Loomis officiating. Family will be available one hour before the service for visitation and a time of fellowship will be held following the service at the church. His family would like to give special thanks to his caregivers and Hospice that allowed him to remain at home during his declining health. Memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice, 789 North Lisbon Street, Carrollton, Ohio 44615

Earl Parker Carlton

March 8, 1917 - December 2, 2014