Col. Terry Marcus Carlton (U.S. Army, Ret.)

A Celebration of Life with military honors for Col. Terry Marcus Carlton (U.S. Army, Ret.), 87 of Groveton will be held Friday, November 7, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at First Methodist Church of Diboll with Reverend David Goodwin officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Col. Terry Marcus Carlton (U.S. Army, Ret.), a proud son of the Piney Woods of East Texas, was born July 14, 1938, to Jack Kellop Carlton and Wiley Ethel (Hales) Carlton, and passed peacefully on November 1, 2025.

Raised in the rural Alabama Creek community of Trinity County, Terry enjoyed a rich and adventurous childhood alongside his sister, Jenny Carlton Gieger, and brother, Robert Henry Carlton – both now deceased. The family farm, granted to the Carlton descendants under the 1837 General Land Office Supplemental Act of the young Republic of Teas, was a source of deep heritage and pride. Terry grew up in the house built by his grandfather, Capt. W.H. Carlton, around 1895 for his own mother, Margaret Dollarhide White Ford Carlton On the adjacent farm lived Terry’s maternal grandparents, Lee and Ethel Hales – an arrangement that gave him the rare gift of growing up surrounded by multiple generations of love and wisdom.

Education shaped the course of Terry’s life. A graduate of Centerville High School (Groveton, Texas), he went on to earn degrees from Sam Houston State University, the University of Alabama, and Stephen F. Austin State University He further distinguished himself at the Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College – training that prepared him for a remarkable military career.

Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant through SHSU ROTC on July 15, 1960, Terry served his country with honor for 23 years, retiring as a Colonel in 1983. His assignments were as varied as they were prestigious; the 82nd Airborne Division; Aide-de-Camp to Major General John Zierdt; Ammunition Depot Commander in Vietnam; Commander of the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant; Ordinance Officers Assignment Director; and Professor of Military Science. Throughout his service, he earned a reputation for exceptional leadership, humility, and dedication to his soldiers.

After retiring from the Army, Terry devoted himself to the pursuit of knowledge and to inspiring future generations. He spent two decades teaching in the Physics Department at Stephen F. Austin State University, followed by twenty-nine more years as a public-school Physics teacher. His passion for education was lifelong and infectious, touching thousands of students.

Though his career took him far, Terry’s heart never left the land. A lifelong farmer and rancher, he raised hay and Beefmaster cattle. He was among the early pioneers of embryo-transfer methods, helping to strengthen and improve the Beefmaster breed – work that earned him lasting respect within the ranching community.

While attending Sam Houston State University, Terry met the love of his life, Judy Fouche, beginning a partnership that lasted 65 remarkable years. Together they built a family anchored in love, faith, and service. Terry is survived by his wife, Judy; their beloved son, Terry Marcus Carlton, Jr. and wife Phyllis Smithhart Carlton of Lufkin, Texas; adored grandchildren, Jack Carlton and fiancé Mariah Lily of Conroe, and Caroline Brooke Carlton of Tomball, Texas.

Terry’s college years forged another lifelong bond when The Men of Esquires, merged into the Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Delta Tau Delta at Sam Houston State University. These friendships – formed in January 1960 – grew to include generations of families and remained cherished part of his life.

A man of quiet faith, Terry was a devoted Methodist and longtime member of First Methodist Church in Diboll. His life reflected the values he held dear: service, learning, stewardship of the land, and enduring loyalty to family and friends.

Our family wishes to thank the church family of First Methodist of Diboll and Hospice in the Pines for their comfort and support during this difficult time.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904 or First Methodist Church of Diboll, P.O. Box 412, Diboll, Texas 75941.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.