Rex grew up in Garvin County. He graduated from Elmore City High School in 1955 and enrolled at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, to further his education. On December 18, 1955, Rex married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jean Smith, in the First Baptist Church of Elmore City, and two children were born to this union, Nancy and Michael. Rex accepted the Lord Jesus as his savior at an early age at Story Baptist Church. He was baptized in a farm pond. At the time of his passing, he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Elmore City. He was ordained as a deacon in 1966 in Wichita Falls, Texas, and faithfully served the Lord in that capacity through all the years.
While attending college, Rex worked in a retail sales store. He decided that was the career he wanted to follow. In 1958, he began a career with G. F. Wacker Stores and continued with that company for 21 years. During that time he managed stores in Texas and Oklahoma. In 1967 he was transferred to Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, as store manager, then to the G. F. Wacker Super Center Store there.
In 1982, Rex was elected Commissioner in Garvin County District 2. He served five terms for a total of 22 years until retirement in 2004. Rex loved working for the county as Commissioner. He was a hard worker, always proud of accomplishments and improvements. While Commissioner, Rex got more bridges built in Garvin county than any county in the State of Oklahoma. Rex was elected as President of the Association of County Commissioners and served a term. While Commissioner he also served on the board of several organizations and was still actively serving on the Board of Directors of DELTA Community Action.
After retirement, Rex devoted more time to another job he loved – the family Hereford cattle ranch –until his “real retirement” in 2019. The farm has been in the Carlton family 112 years. Bluegrass music was Rex’s favorite hobby. He loved going to the outdoor festivals and playing music under the shade trees with his friends (and took grandchildren any time possible).
Rex was a family man. He lived a full and fruitful life, and he loved every phase of it. He went by many names, but his favorites were Daddy and PaPa. He loved his family and they adored him.
Mr. Carlton is survived by his wife Dorothy Jean Carlton of the home; daughter Nancy Kathryn McGee and husband Ray of Elmore City, Oklahoma; and son Michael Stanford Carlton of Elmore City, Oklahoma.
Survivors also include five grandchildren, Michael Stanford Carlton Jr. of Edmond, Oklahoma; Jessica Kathryn Feuerbach and husband Korbin of Elmore City, Oklahoma; Amanda Raychelle Brown of Norman, Oklahoma; David Seth Carlton and wife Abby of Elmore City, Oklahoma; and Jacob Rex McGee of Elmore City, Oklahoma; four great-grandchildren, Leven Brayden Brown, Ian Rex Feuerbach, Avril Raychelle Brown and Elowyn Opal Jean Feuerbach; and his brother Ray Carlton and wife Patricia of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.
Mr. Carlton was preceded in death by his parents, J. C. and Opal Mae Carlton.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Thursday, September 8, 2022, at the Elmore City First Baptist Church with Rev. Danny Reed and Dr. Joe Elam officiating. Interment will be in the Oaklawn Cemetery, Wynnewood, Oklahoma, under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home. You may send a condolence to the family at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com.
