Robert Carlton

Robert Doyle Carlton passed away May 11, 2016, at Memorial Hospital while surrounded by family. He was born in Yakima on June 14, 1935, to James (Ted) and Mary (Wolfe) Carlton. His early youth was spent traveling the Pacific Northwest with his family while his father worked as a catskinner, building roads and highway infrastructure. In early grade school his family settled in the Toppenish area, and in his young adult life he moved permanently to Yakima. Bob thoroughly enjoyed his service in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1953-1957 traveling from the Philippines to the North Pole. However, if asked about taking a vacation cruise in later years, he would reply that he had already taken a 4-year cruise in the Coast Guard. Instead, his cruising was done on land throughout the U.S., Canada and parts of Mexico. Travel was one of his greatest pastimes, in addition to camping and exploring the desert in his VW Baja bug. He was a gifted woodworker whose craft created many heirlooms. He was also an avid reader and a sports enthusiast of the Mariners, Seahawks and Nascar. In years past, his passion was motorcycle riding in the mountains with his family and friends. At one point there were 7 trail bikes in the garage, at least one for each child and some to spare. Bob never knew a stranger and enjoyed a successful career in retail grocery sales, eventually retiring from Kimberly-Clark. He married Glenna Morrow in 1958 and together they had 3 children. After her passing in 1974, he married Mary Alstead in 1978. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Flint (Amy) and Kristi (Brian); and by his dear grandchildren, Hayden, Jace, Halle, Grayson, Lindsay and Hannah. He is also survived by a sister, Joyce (George) Matthews. He was preceded in death by a son, Shawn, and his parents. Arrangements are by Valley Hills Funeral Home. A private memorial celebration of his life for family and friends will be held at a later date. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Carlton, please visit our flower store.