Carlton

Richard Spencer “Dick” Carlton Sr. was born on July 31, 1941 in Houston to Ruth and Spencer Carlton. He graduated from Milby High School in Houston in 1959 and attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. He met the love of his life, Kay Morgan in 1961 and they married on May 4, 1963. Their 62-year marriage brought him great joy and pride, as did their two children, Rick and Suzanne.

As a young couple, Dick and Kay moved to Hunt, Texas where Dick worked on the SBar- S Ranch as a ranch foreman for two years. He was a lifelong lover of animals, choosing St. Francis of Assisi the patron saint of animals, as his patron saint for his confirmation.

In 1972, he and his beloved wife Kay founded Carlton & Associates in their Houston garage. Dick worked a day job for another company and worked his own business in the evenings and weekends.After a few years, the newly christened Carlton Tape & Label moved to a larger garage in Seabrook and then to a standalone building on NASA Road 1. By now, Dick had given up his other job - he and Kay were successful independent small business owners.

Dick and Kay loved to drive around and explore Texas. One of their stops was in La Grange, and the Fayette County community felt both “right” and friendly to them. After HurricaneAlicia hit the Galveston Bay Area, they decided to move to higher ground – printing presses were no match for storm surges. Dick and Kay relocated their business and their family to La Grange in 1984; they renamed their company Carlton Industries to reflect the diversity of products that they manufactured.

Carlton Industries thrived in Fayette County, and became successful in the workplace safety, compliance, security, and printing industries. In the early 1990s, Dick and Kay would fly their Cessna 172 to trade shows all over the country, growing their business and exploring America by small plane.

In 1995, they created Katy-Sweet Confectioners – a candy company - and built a commercial production factory three miles east of the Fayette County Courthouse. It grew to thirteen kettles - enough to supply the national demand for their Texas-style candies and pralines. KatySweet grew into a producer and distributor of handmade candies sold all over the country.

Dick was a family man. He made it a point to attend every event, game, performance, and milestone for his children and grandchildren. No matter how late the bus was coming back from competitions, he was waiting to pick up his kids to be sure that they got home safe.

Dick and Kay attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church and his grandkids went to Sacred Heart School. Originally Father Harry, then (Deacon) Mr. John McCourt, and most recently Father Chris provided him with thoughtful spiritual advice and counsel.

Dick is preceded in death by his older brothers, Don Carlton of Austin and Spencer Carlton of Houston.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Carlton, his two children, Rick Carlton and Suzanne Hart, his son-in-law Garland Hart, and four grandchildren – Victoria Hart, Michael-Leah Hart, Elizabeth Hart, and Garland Randall Hart.

Dick had the heart of an entrepreneur and enjoyed bringing everyone in his life along for the ride. He will be hugely missed by our family and all of his friends. We take comfort knowing that he will always be with us in our hearts and in the love that he put forth into the world.

We asked him to leave hints and breadcrumbs so that we can find him on the other side.

A visitation was held at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations of La Grange on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Family was present to receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of La Grange on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Hostyn.

Dick’s pallbearers are his son, Rick Carlton, his son-inlaw Garland Hart, his grandson Garland Randall Hart, his nephew Spencer Carlton, Mr. John McDevitt, and Mr. David Poncik. Honorary pallbearers are Mr. Teddy Jordan, Mr. Harry Jordan, Mr. Nat Ricker, Mr. John McCourt, and Mr. Lino Garcia.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School, 545 E Pearl Street, La Grange,Texas 78945.

Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals. com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.