Carlton Lewis Smith

He was born October 13, 1928 in Junction, TX. After an upbringing in Ozona, TX, Carlton attended school and played football for San Angelo College Rams and Sul Ross State University Lobos. Throughout his life he was a supporter of his alma mater and a few years ago was awarded the Golden Ex award at ASU for his faithfulness to the program.

On December 25, 1951, he married the love of his life, Betty Lou Cox, and together they raised four children during their sixty-seven year marriage. Both Carlton and Betty Lou spent their careers in the public-school systems of small West Texas towns serving children as professional educators. Carlton spent his life serving as a school teacher, coach, and principal in the communities of: Marfa, Sanderson, Lorenzo, Imperial, and McCamey. Often referred to as “coach” or “Mr. Smith” even into his elderly years, he was continually running into people who remember him teaching or coaching family members from long ago.

After retiring from education, Carlton and Betty Lou retired to San Angelo where they made their home.

For most of his life, Carlton was a believer and follower of Jesus Christ and the family has a peace knowing his salvation was firm. His spiritual gifting was in the ministries of helping, service, and hospitality. He would often be seen greeting and serving behind the scenes to make sure things went well and the Lord was served. The Smiths supported and served with many different Christian organizations throughout the years. Most recently they served and attended Victory Christian Center in San Angelo where Carlton was a deacon for many years.

Carlton is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty Lou; daughter Su-z Kleinhans (David); son Carlton Smith, Jr. (aka Buddy); daughter Kay Graves (Perry); and son Jeff Smith (Kelly). One of the greatest joys he had in his life was being “Paw” to his eight grandchildren: Chad Graves (Leah), Kristin Hintz (Joe), Zak Kleinhans, Shella Arnwine (James), Zane Graves (Kayla), Riley Smith, Mattie Smith, and Laynie Smith. In addition, he had the bonus blessing of thirteen great grandchildren: Cade Fregia; Cameron and Catherine Graves; Carissa, Josiah, and Brylee Hintz; Jayden Gonzales; Jace Arnwine; David Kleinhans; Trinity Foltz; Jillyan Bowers; and Gunner Graves. He is also survived by one brother Ivy Smith, Jr.; in-laws Leon and Margaret Cox as well as Diana Smith, and numerous nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank Dr. Warren Conway and his staff for the years of care they provided, the doctors, nurses, and staff at San Angelo Community Medical Center, Encompass Home Health, and the staff from St. Gabriel’s Hospice. In addition, a special thanks to caregivers Corinne, Rene, Marsha, Ana, and Charity for being a part of our family and helping to care for and love on “Coach” in recent months.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 29th from 6-8 PM at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, August 30th in Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to any dementia or Alzheimer’s organization, Victory Christian Center, or the Angelo State University football team.