Keith Diamond Carlton

Keith was born to Gene Carlton and Nina Emmanoie Carlton on April 5, 1947 in Pasadena, Texas.

Keith was married to Shirley Chandler Hobbs in 1982. With Shirley came four children; Dayne, Lori, Randa and Shawnee, whom he welcomed into his life.

Keith went to Robert E. Lee High School and worked at Thompson’s Bait Camp in the summers. After he graduated high school in 1965, he was employed by Texas Department of Transportation until he was drafted into the United States Army on August 17, 1967. He served in the Vietnam War for two years before being honorably discharged.

After discharge, Keith resumed his career with TXDOT and went back to school to receive his Associate of Applied Science degree from Lee College. He had 36 rewarding years with TXDOT and received Exemplary Performance Awards as a Project Manager overseeing multiple construction projects including Loop 201, Highway 225 and the Fred Hartman Bridge. The removal of the Baytown Tunnel was one of his last major projects before retiring in 2001. Once an inspector, always an inspector. Every construction site he passed on a road trip received his drive-by critiques.

Keith was a devoted, loving and caring Papaw to his four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was a constant presence at their sporting events, and always encouraging and supporting them throughout their lives. He loved them dearly.

Keith had many hobbies including fishing, reading and collecting his “treasures”. Pursuing and collecting these treasures brought Keith many hours of enjoyment during his retirement.

Keith was preceded in death by Gene Carlton, father, Nina Emmanoie Lamb, mother, Emmie Jean Gaston, sister, and Joe Fenn, brother-in-law.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Shirley Carlton, children Dayne Hobbs and wife Brandy of Mont Belvieu, Lori Hobbs of Baytown, Randa Faycal and husband Mike of Baytown, Shawnee Hobbs and husband Joe Weger of Baytown. Grandchildren; Justin Hobbs, Rylee Burk and husband Stoney, Kaitlyn Fuller and husband Trevor, Rayne Hobbs and Adam Weger. Precious great-grandchildren; Kylee Thornton, Blayne Burk, Bowen Burk and Brooks Burk.

Keith is also survived by his sister Karen Costlow of Dayton, Mendy Fenn of Houston and many nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and great nephews.

Keith’s family would like to thank the staff at Saint James House and Harbor Hospice for the care over these past few weeks. They would also like to thank his nurses, Alyssa and Liliy, with Cornerstone Home Health, for their loving care over the past several months.

Arrangements for Keith’s Celebration of Life will be determined at a later date.