We mourn the loss of D. Ford Carlton, who passed away on January 30th, 2026. Ford’s remarkable career as an Aviation Maintenance Technician with American Airlines spanned over 25 years, from 1969 to his retirement in 1994.
Ford’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to the safety and excellence of American Airlines earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers. His tireless work ethic and passion for aviation inspired countless others, and his legacy will continue to be felt throughout our union and the industry as a whole.
As we remember Ford’s life and career, we are reminded of the values that he embodied: hard work, integrity, and a deep commitment to his fellow workers. We are grateful for the time we had with him, and we will continue to uphold the principles that he lived by.
We ask that you keep the Carlton family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, as they celebrate Ford’s life and legacy. May they find comfort in the memories of his accomplishments, his dedication to our union, and the countless lives he touched throughout his career.
Ford’s memory will be a blessing to all who knew him, and we will continue to honor his legacy through our own work and commitment to excellence.
Rest in Peace, Brother Ford
You will be deeply missed by your union family and colleagues.
D. Ford Carlton
D. Ford Carlton, 90, of Claremore, Oklahoma, passed away on January 30, 2026, at the Claremore Veterans Center.
He was born on July 6, 1935, in Murray, Arkansas, to Claude Levi Carlton and Mamie Leota Daniels. Ford grew up in Parthenon, Arkansas, before following his future bride to Hayesville, Kansas. He was drafted into the United States Army, serving his country for two years. After his military service, he married Beulah Bernell Shelton and began his career at Boeing in Wichita, Kansas.
In 1967, Ford moved his family to the Tulsa area, settling in the Collinsville/German Corner community. He was hired by American Airlines, where he worked with dedication until his retirement in 1994. In 1976, he moved his family to ten acres of land in Keetonville, OK where he made his home for nearly five decades.
Ford was a devoted man of faith, serving as a deacon at Westpark Baptist Church, Meadowview Baptist Church, and Hilldale Baptist Church. His commitment to his church family was a cornerstone of his life.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beulah Bernell Carlton; his parents, Claude Levi and Mamie Leota Carlton; his step-mother, Gayle Carlton; his brother, Berlin Carlton; his sister-in-law, Bonnie Carlton; nephew, Clifford Carlton; and his grandsons, Brandon Douglas Dean Carlton and Maverick Ford Prock.
Ford is survived by his four children: Kenny Dale Carlton and wife Patricia of Claremore; Danny Wayne Carlton of Catoosa; Ronnie Ford Carlton and wife Denise of Catoosa; and Tanya Elizabeth Carlton of Keetonville; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, February 6, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Coffman Funeral Home of Jasper.
Graveside service is Friday, February 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Union Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers are his grandsons, Matt, Dylan, Bobby, Sam, Jonathan, and Benjamin Carlton. Honorary pallbearers include all of his grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Union Hill Cemetery, Parthenon, Arkansas. This can be made at the Bank of Ozarks, Jasper, AR in the Union Hill Cemetery account.