James & Anita Carlton

December 19, 1928 - July 26, 2018

James J. Carlton December 19, 1928 - April 1, 2017 & Anita Ann (Davis) Carlton June 25, 1929 - July 26, 2018 James J. Carlton, age 88, of Paw Paw, MI, formerly of Marcellus, MI passed away peacefully Saturday, April 1, 2017, surrounded by his family. Anita Ann (Davis) Carlton, age 89, of Paw Paw, passed away in the evening, on Thursday July 26, 2018, surrounded by her family. James was born December 19, 1928 in Galesburg, MI the son of Wayne Lyle and Gertrude Floris (Trisket) Carlton. On January 1, 1950 in Three Rivers, MI he married Anita Ann Davis who were married for 67 years. Anita was born on June 25, 1929, in Three Rivers, the daughter of Carl V. Davis and Beatrice Richwine. James and Anita were loving parents and always put their family first, in addition to that, he was a Past Master with the Marcellus Masonic Lodge and owned and operated The Carlton Hardware in Marcellus. She was the owner of The Carlton Beauty Shop in Marcellus for 20 years. They enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states, Peru, England, and James fished in South Africa. They were also members of the Yellow Rock Square Dancing Group. A favorite pastime of theirs was playing pinochle with family and friends. Anita spent most of her time raising her family and dedicated her time to being a housewife. Anita enjoyed knitting, quilting, and was an avid reader. Surviving are their two daughters: Deborah Breseman of Marcellus and Regina (John) Davidson of Canton, three sons: Reed (Theresa) Carlton of Cassopolis, Bradley (Linda) Carlton of Dowagiac, and Steven (Linda) Carlton of Three Rivers, eleven grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. James is preceded in death by his brother, David T. Carlton, son-in-law Wilber Breseman and one sister Phyllis Johansen. Anita is preceded in death by two sisters: Marlene Ohlin and Arlene Prange, and son-in- law Wilber Breseman. The family will welcome friends for a memorial gathering Tuesday, August 14, 2018 from 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM with a Masonic Candle Service at 1:45 PM, with the memorial service to follow at 2:00 PM at Mater-Ralston Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be directed to Marcellus Library or Marcellus Food Pantry. Online condolences may be left at www.materralstonfuneralhome.com.