CARLTON, Keith Tompkins

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Saturday, July 12, 2003 Keith Tompkins Carlton, Long time Casa Grande resident and local farmer Keith Tompkins Carlton, 79, passed away Thursday July 10, 2003. Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande, 702 E. Cottonwood Lane, July 13, 2003 at 5:00 PM. Keith was born in Tucson October 12, 1923, the oldest of three children born to Thomas M. and Hazel T. Carlton. He attended local schools graduating from Casa Grande Union High School in 1941. After graduation Keith began farming with his father, however, with the outbreak of World War II he enlisted in the Army Air Corps earning his wings as a pilot. In February 1945, while serving in the European theatre his Lightning P-38 fighter was shot down while on a mission over Cologne, Germany. Captured, he spent the balance of the war in Europe as a POW. Upon his return from Europe he married Mildred "Mickey" King on July 2, 1945 at her family's home in Girard, Kansas. The two had attended high school together and dated while Keith was in flight training and Mickey attended Arizona State University. After his discharge from the Air Corps Keith returned to farming. Always proud of his farming operation he worked long hours both physically as well as through research and education to improve the farm's productive and economic results. Over the years he earned a reputation as an innovative and progressive member of the agricultural community. Keith was active in many civic and professional organizations serving as a director of the Arizona Cotton Growers Association, President of the Eleven Mile Corner Gin, and as a member of the boards of the State Insecticide-Herbicide Advisory Board, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Board, Pinal County Air Quality Control Board and the Pinal County Housing Authority. He also served for many years as a director and President of the Board of Hoemako Community Hospital. Since moving to Casa Grande at the age of 10, Keith has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church. He served in a number of church leadership roles including as an elder, and a member of Presbytery and Synod boards. He also spent many years as an adult Sunday School teacher, and along with Mickey as a leader of youth activities. Keith was an accomplished woodworker, crafting a wide variety of pieces from furniture to toys, many of which were donated to various charity and church fundraising activities. In addition Keith enjoyed golf bowling and fishing. Keith also enjoyed traveling with Mickey and friends over the past 25 years. During this time the couple traveled to Europe, Australia, and China as well as making countless RV trips back and forth across the United States, Canada, and to Alaska and Mexico. In the past few years Keith enjoyed attending reunions of his military unit. The opportunity to renew friendships and reminisce about a dangerous and exciting time of his life was special to him. Keith is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Mickey and five children and their spouses; son Mark and his wife Naida Carlton of Bakersfield, California, daughter Jeanne and her husband Bob Campo of Scottsdale, daughter Amy and her husband Jim Wilson of Austin, Texas, son Marvin and his wife Lynne Carlton of Phoenix, and daughter Maribeth and her husband Kevin Carlton of LaConner, Washington. He also leaves 10 grandchildren; Craig Carlton, Wes Carlton, Amanda Carlton, Rob Campo, Chris Campo, Carlton Wilson, Tom Wilson, Anna Carlton, Keith Carlton, and James Carlton. Also surviving is great-grandson Justin Carlton. In addition - sisters Cleo Goff of Casa Grande, and Lael Carlton of Boomer, North Carolina survive him. Keith as a member of the "greatest generation" experienced many of the challenges and rewards of this period. A former POW and decorated veteran he returned to Casa Grande and with the help of Mickey raised a fine family and built a prosperous business. Although he suffered his first heart attack 27 years ago he battled back to survive much longer than most expected. Like so many of his generation he was much stronger and more determined than people anticipated. We were fortunate to have known and loved a person of this character. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of RTA Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Casa Grande for their compassionate care and the support of the family and friends. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande, 702 E. Cottonwood Lane, Casa Grande, AZ and RTA Hospice Foundation, 1675 E. Monument Plaza, Casa Grande, AZ.