Van Duke Carlton

© Stilwell (OK) Democrat Journal
June 24, 2009

Van Duke Carlton, age 91 formerly of Westville, Oklahoma died on Sunday, June 7 in his home in Centerton, Arkansas after a long battle with cancer.

He was born August 29, 1917 in Spur, Texas to Nannie Talula and Claude Van Buren Carlton.

In 1936, he moved to Westville where he met Dortha Marian Cabe. They were married one year later on September 4, 1937. Duke enlisted in the United States Coast Guard Intelligence Unit six months after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, where he served for 3 years and 3 months.

Duke is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers; Millard, CV, and Jimmy Carlton.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Dortha Marian of the home, one son Van Duke Jr., and wife Joni of Dallas, Texas, daughter Victoria Smith and husband Bill of Centerton, Arkansas, 6 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, one sister; Geraldine Williams.

Service will be officiated by Bill Buttram and Darrell Maddox. Music provided by Wayne Collins and Margaret Carmichael. Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

His final resting place will be the Westville Cemetery in Westville, Oklahoma. Services have been entrusted to the care of the Hart Funeral Home of Westville.