David Leland Carlton, 77, passed away at St. Joseph Hospital in College Station, Texas, on November 5, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family. He lived a rich and purposeful life defined by service, family, and the enduring spirit of a true cowboy.

David was a 7th generation Florida cowboy born in Bradenton, Florida to Leslie and Betty Carlton. In 1967, he proudly joined the United States Air Force, dedicating two decades of honorable service before retiring in 1987. In 1993, he relocated his family to College Station, where he began a second distinguished career at Texas A&M University. He contributed 20 years to the University community with the same steadfastness and integrity that marked every aspect of his life.

Upon retirement from the university in 2013, he added “author” to his resume after publishing Poetry of a Florida Cowboy, a collection of poetry written over the course of his life. He had completed a second book, which was put on the back burner to care for his beloved wife. It is the intent of his children to edit this book and share it with those we are sure will treasure it. Among his many accomplishments, his greatest and proudest was that of Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather and friend.

Among all of David’s loves was his passion for growing orchids and the numerous other plants that covered practically his entire backyard from end to end—he could grow just about anything. He passed this love of plants on to his daughters and granddaughters, who are all now carrying on this love for gardening.

David was married for 56 years to the love of his life Dawna Marie Russell-Carlton. He remained a loving and loyal husband, devoting the years after his retirement to her care. Through sickness and her passing, he never left her side until her last breath on January 2, 2025. His love for her was pure, unconditional, and an absolute testament of true love. Their love produced four children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren who were his pride and joy.

In addition to his parents, in-laws, and beloved wife Dawna, David was preceded in death by his brother Allen Carlton, brother-in-laws Jim Haney & William Hurley, Nephew Jason Keene, and daughter-in-law Joy Raspberry Carlton.

David is survived by his four children and their spouses, Casie Marie (Jeremie) Scarmardo, Kimberly Ann (Jonathan) Patton, John David (Bebe) Carlton, and Blake (Liz) Carlton. His grandchildren are Mariah Scarmardo and fiancé Peyton Polston, Leslie (Clayton) Cook, Molly Scarmardo, Zedekiah Carlton, Bella Roy, Zoe Roy, Zaiden Patton and Haley (Mark) Carlton-McCulley. His great-grandchildren are Joy McCulley, Paisleigh Cook, Cambree Cook and Brody Knox McCulley. David is also survived by his loving sisters Linda Haney, Sheila (David) Johns and Bonnie Sue (Danny) Keene, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. In addition to the family listed, he is survived by his trusted canine companion Fedora.

His family would like to thank close family friend Nini Hodges for her love and valued friendship. They both loved her immensely.

At this time the family has decided to have a private celebration of life when we can all be together. Per our father’s wishes he will be cremated and his ashes will be combined with our mothers as a symbol of their undying love. We will then deliver them to the locations requested by our parents.

Our Dad will be missed immensely but will forever be remembered for his unwavering integrity and love for each of us. His love, wisdom and stories were gifts that we will all cherish forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a tree or consider making a donation to a charity of your