Casper Vaiden Carlton Jr.

Casper V. Carlton, Jr., teacher, counselor, mentor, husband, father, uncle, an inspiration to countless humans across the world, and master of the perfect hug, passed on peacefully with his loving famiy by his side, on September 17, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; two sons, Casey and Jay; daughters-in-law, Pim and Angel; and 11 great nieces and nephews as his own.

Born on May 28, 1940, to Mr. and Mrs. Casper Carlton of Penn's Grove, New Jersey. He grew up playing many sports, was a consummate sportsman, and received many player and team awards. Once graduated from high school, he tried out for the Pittsburg Pirates in 1958. Ironically, he failed because his run-time went long, the result of a serious football injury to his leg. His dream of playing in the pros now out of reach, he quickly moved on to academic scholarship.

While attending Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky from 1958-1962, he assumed numerous leadership roles in campus organizations, and continued to play catcher for the college baseball team. He also found two new passions to pursue. A sock-hop veteran from high school, Casper loved to dance. He especially liked Chubby Checker's song, "The Twist." He and his buddies would don suits and skinny black ties for nightly outings to the campus Snack Shack, to dance. When "The Twist" cam on, everyone would stand back to give Casper room to "really swing it Daddy!" And who should be in regular attendance but his primary, and most enduring passion for 60 years, Nancy.

After graduation with a degree in business and history, Casper decided to answer a call of President Kennedy to "ask what you can do for your country," by joining the first wave of the Peace Corp in 1962. He was assigned to Jimma, Ethiopia, where he would live and work for two years, teaching administrative and secretarial skills to Ethiopian youth and young adults. This experience had a profound impact on him and led him to select Education and his career path in life.

Married in 1964, Casper and Nancy took jobs in the War on Poverty program as "Community Action Technicians," in North Carolina, administering employment, training and literacy programs for low-income youth and adults, as part of the larger fight for civil rights. Having loved teaching in Ethiopia, Casper wanted to obtain his teaching credential at New Mexico State University, in Las Cruces. While a student, he worked for a dollar an hour at a famous Mexican restaurant cleaning chilis! Credential in hand, he applied to the many openings for teachers in California at that time and chose Sacramento.

Casper's first teaching assignment was at American Legion High School, in Oak Park. The intent of the continuation schools was to provide an alternative to learning for those having difficulty in a regular school setting. After 2 years, he realized he was spending so much time counseling youth, that he returned to school to obtain an M.S. in School Counseling. From 1972 until retirement in 2001, he served as a vocational counselor at Sacramento High School, Luther Burbank High School, West Campus, and an Elementary Counselor at Oakridge Elementary School. Lastly, he secured a position as Counselor at McClatchy High School in 1986, where he was affectionately known as "Mr. C."

At McClatchy he encouraged and inspired students success. His sons had the privilege of hearing many personal testimonies directly from peers about how their father's special connection with teens brought out the very best in them, helping them to overcome difficulties they were facing, and to envision a positive future.

During these years, Casper was an active member of Centennial United Methodist Church, assuming several leadership roles. He was an active parent, supporting his sons in youth and sports activities, and their education. He worked with The International Exchange Program to bring two high school students from Spain for a year. One of them lived with Casper and his family. On weekends, Casper could be found on a golf course with his golfing buddies.

Four years prior to retirement, Casper and Nancy moved to Lake Wildwood, outside of Grass Valley, to pursue a quieter life. There, he enjoyed golf, a scenic environment, and saw his sons find their loves in life. Continuing his connection with teens, he served as a volunteer judge of senior projects for the Nevada Union High School. Loving to travel, Casper visited his son in Thailand twice, and spent many happy years traveling Asia, Europe, the US, Mexico, and Canada with Nancy.

In 2010, they moved back to Sacramento, where he spent the remaining years in a peaceful setting with caring neighbors and both sons nearby. He found another passion by volunteering at the South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership Food Closet, until the decline of his health, two years ago. Still sharp, he played bridge with dear friends on-line through the pandemic, and still experienced much joy and humor. For this blessing, his family are eternally grateful. He will be sorely missed and happily remembered. May he dwell in peace and love now and always.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late spring. Written remembrances may be sent to: [email protected]. Those wishing to make a charitable contribution in memory of Casper, may send contributions to: the South Sacramento Interfaith Food Closet, 5625 24th Street, Sacramento, CA. 95822

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nicoletticuljisherbergerfunerals.com for the Carlton family.