Claud Eugene Carlton

Mr. Claud Eugene Carlton, age 85, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully on Monday, October 18, 2021, in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Claud was born on July 27, 1936, in Sabula, Mo., the son of Cecil Claud and Ressie Pearl (Barton) Carlton. A lifelong resident of Missouri, Claud attended Calidonia High School in Calidonia, Mo., from which he graduated in 1954. Claud started a career as an over the road truck driver shortly after high school and worked for numerous trucking companies over the years before becoming self-employed. He worked hard to support his family and retired in 2011. Claud was a proud lifetime member of OOIDA - Owner Operator Independent Driver Association and a former member of Teamsters. When he was younger, Claud was very social and enjoyed being out with friends and family. As he grew older, he discovered and cherished the value of a quiet evening in and enjoyed being home. Claud was an avid reader. Some of his favorites were books by author, Tom Clancy and westerns but he read many other genres as well. He liked watching old westerns, listening to the Gaither family, Etta James and Conway Twitty, and was a fan of all sports. Claud enjoyed the simple things in life and was dedicated to his family. He will be missed by those who loved him. Survivors include: his children, Dennis Carlton of Gainsville, Ga., Cathy Stegall (husband, Dennis) of Perryville, Mo., Ken Carlton (wife, Tina) of Carl Junction, Mo., Cyndi Roach (husband, Jim) of Jackson, Mo., Sheila Carlton of Columbia, Ill., and Tony Gearheart of Kentucky; his step-children, Robert Thompson and Terri Hentges, both of Jefferson City, Mo.; two sisters, LaVerne White and Beverly Fenton, both of Jefferson City, Mo.; 25 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Claud was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Matthew Carlton; two grandchildren, Eric and Dana Carlton; an infant sister, Gloria Carlton; and niece, Kelly Wagers. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 23, 2021. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 23, 2021, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Mark White officiating. Graveside services and internment will follow at Branham Cemetery in Middletown, Mo. at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the charity of the donor's choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com