Gerald Henry Carlton's Obituary
Gerald Henry Carlton, age 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Lakeland after a brief illness on March 7, 2025, with his beloved wife, Eloise, at his side.
Born in Highland City, FL to Henry D. and Ola G. Carlton, he was a fourth generation Floridian and resided in Central Florida his entire life.
Gerald loved Jesus and served him all of his life. He was a charter member and former deacon at the First Community Church of Highland City; former deacon and member of Springhead Baptist Church; member of First Baptist Church of Plant City.
Gerald graduated from the Summerlin Institute in Bartow in 1954. During high school he played varsity basketball and also enlisted in the Florida Army National Guard, which he served for nine years. He also was a member of the Highland City Volunteer Fire Department immediately following high school.
Gerald had many interests, one of his favorites was attending gospel sings, where in 1955 he met the love of his life, Eloise Claville. Other activities Gerald enjoyed were doting on his grandchildren and great grandchildren; singing in gospel quartets made-up of family, and friends who became family; cast net fishing at Ft. Myers Beach with his cousin Bobby Durrance; camping trips with his family; and cattle ranching at the family ranch in Manatee County.
Gerald retired in 2001 from IBEW Local 915 and last worked for JH Ham Engineering in Lakeland. After retirement, he worked as a campground host with his wife at numerous campgrounds around the country.
Preceding Gerald in death are his parents, Henry D. and Ola G. Carlton; children, Lisa Carlton, Karen Carlton; and sister Elizabeth Sheffield.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Eloise Carlton; daughter, Terri Still (Clipper) of Lakeland; grandchildren, Jessica Wallace (Clint) of Orlando, Charles Anderson, III (Yexenia) of Jacksonville, Amanda Anderson (Joe Derringer) of Lexington, KY; great-grandchildren, Camden Wallace, Cassandra Anderson, Charles Anderson IV, Carmen Anderson, Joseph Derringer; sister, Frances Simon and brother, Roland Carlton (Vonda), and lots of cherished cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the First Community Church of Highland City, 4425 E County Road 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813. A lunch reception will follow the service.
For those unable to attend, the service will be streamed on Facebook Live from “Highland City Community Church”
What’s your fondest memory of Gerald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gerald?
Share a story where Gerald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gerald you’ll never forget.
How did Gerald make you smile?