Stephen Dale “Steve” Carlton
Stephen Dale “Steve” Carlton, 78, of Orange, Texas, passed away on December 29, 2024, at his home in Orange, Texas (which is exactly the way he wanted it, as he was known for doing things his way).
A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Turning Point Church in Vidor, Texas. Officiating will be Pastor George Gau, their pastor and family friend.
Born in Butte, Montana, on November 10, 1946, and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Steve was the son of Cary Carlton and Mary Jane Camerzel Carlton. Steve dedicated his life to his interests, his profession, and his family, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by many. He graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 1969 where he was a ranked tennis player. He remained an accomplished tennis player over the years, as he continued to play tennis in numerous tournaments throughout Texas. He later developed a love for golf and was a member of the Sunset Grove Country Club for many years. He was a proud graduate of the University of Texas Law School, Steve became a licensed attorney in 1972. He established the Carlton Law Practice in Orange, Texas, where he served the community diligently for 50 remarkable years. Steve's desire to serve began before his legal career, as he participated in the United States Army Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Texas at Austin. A die-hard University of Texas Longhorns fan, Steve's enthusiasm for the team was infectious. He cherished his season tickets and the camaraderie of tailgating with family and friends. On the subject of his children’s college choice, he started them early by bringing them to the UT games and he often used the phrase "I don't care where you go, but my money is going to UT." As he would have it, both of his children also graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and share his love for the Texas Longhorns. His commitment to the Longhorns was so profound that he even chose to marry the love of his life during halftime of the Texas versus Texas A&M football game on Thanksgiving Day in 1975, ensuring that the day was extra special and he would not miss the game. Travel also played a significant role in Steve's life. He relished trips to the Bowl games with his family, with the most important being the National Championship game where his Texas Longhorns won. He loved traveling the world, with some of his favorite places being Germany, Hawaii, and Greece. He also enjoyed touring the USA in his motorhome, traveling to numerous different countries, and cruising with his family and friends, all of which created memories that those who traveled with him will treasure forever.
Steve loved to tell funny stories about his life adventures with his family and friends. He was quick to tell anyone who would listen about how proud he was of his children and their various accomplishments. Known for his humor, sharp wit, strong opinions, and persistence in getting his way, Steve became a beloved figure among his colleagues, who affectionately referred to him as "Grumpy" – a nickname gifted to him by his grandchildren that soon became a term of endearment by all. Beneath his tough exterior lay a compassionate heart, revealing a softer side to those fortunate enough to have known him well. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. If you knew him at all, then you knew he was one of a kind.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Cary and Mary Jane Carlton, and his brother, Clai Carlton.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Dale Clark Carlton; his daughter, Eryn Carlton Lucas Tays and husband, Frankie; his son, Brint Carlton and wife, Claire; his grandchildren, Bryson Lucas, Briggs Lucas, Mayve Carlton, Ridge Carlton, and Marlee and HannahGrace Jackson; his sister, Susie Cheney and her husband, Briggs; his nieces and nephews; Sarah, Zach, Clayton, Molly, Mary, and Fred; his three German exchange student children that became lifelong family members, Antje, Christian, and Nadine; and numerous other loving family members and friends.
Cremation (another example of Steve doing things his way) will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.