Robert Alan Carlton was born on August 6, 1949, in Paris, Texas to parents, Perry Lee and Mary Elizabth (Rutherford) Carlton.  He departed this life and entered eternal life in the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 24, 2026, with those he loved by his side.

Robert married the love of his life, Sherry Diane (Sweatt) Carlton on July 2, 1970, at the First Baptist Church in Franklin, Texas. Together they shared almost 56 years together.  To their union, 2 beautiful daughters were born, Elizabeth and Amy and they made their home in Bryan, Texas.

Robert accepted Jesus Christ in his heart at the young age of 7 years old.  By confession of faith, joined St. Paul's Methodist Church in Bryan on April 14, 1957.

While in Bryan, Robert found his calling as a firefighter.  He was hired by the City of College Station as one of the first paid firefighters for the city and attended the First Recruit Fireman Training School Class held by Texas A&M University.  After 6 years at the College Station Fire Department, Robert was recruited by the Texas Forest Service as an instructor.  He traveled the state teaching rural fire departments proper use of firefighting equipment.  Robert returned to Bryan and became employed with the Bryan Fire Department while his wife finished her degree at Texas A&M.  A selfless act that was part of Robert's nature.  While at Bryan Fire Department, Robert did consulting for Industrial Fire World based in College Station which led him to be recruited by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company in Valdez, Alaska where he became fire chief and remained in Alaska for the next 22 years.  He wrapped up his career by working as a Safety Specialist on the Trans Canada Pipeline, closing out over 4 decades of service to fire and safety.

Robert was always a cowboy at heart; from Capon Champion in the 4H Brazos County to belt buckles in bull riding at youth rodeos. Horses were a big part of his life as well. In the 1980's, being involved with the family's 4C Race Horse Tack business took him to horse races all over the state, as well as the race barns of famous owners. Robert always loved being around horses.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Mary Carlton and his nephew, Blake Carlton.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, loving wife, Sherry Carlton and his faithful companion, Paisley of Franklin, his 2 daughters, Elizabeth Carlton and Amy Carlton (Taylor Ihlefeld) all of New Braunfels; sister, Kathy Rodenberger (Mark) of Weatherford; brothers, Ricky Carlton (Gayle) and Randy Carlton (Regina) all of Chester; 5 grandchildren: Rebecca Carlton, Steven Kalke, Kelsey O'Neill, Oliver Ihlefeld and Jensen Ihlefeld, and 7 great grandchildren: Kevin Stowe, Jacob Stowe, Raven Stephenson, Caden Stephenson, Elizabeth Kalke, Arthur Kalke and RaeLynn Little.  Robert is also survived by his mother-in-law, Billie Jo Sweatt and his brother and sister-in-law, James Sweatt (Amber Sager) and Aunt Joann Parkman.

Services will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at the McCauley Funeral Home Chapel in Franklin. A burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until service time on Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Pleasant Cemetery                      P.O. Box 133 New Baden, Texas 77870.