Dr. Milton Lee Carleton

Dr. Milton Lee Carleton, beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on December 2, 2016, at the age of 88 in Christus St. Patrick’s Hospital following a brief illness.

Dr. Carleton was born July 28, 1928, in Freeport, Texas to William David and Charlotte Harper Carleton and was a dutiful and loving son to them throughout their lives.  Moving to the Lake area as a young boy, Dr. Carleton graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1945. He received his post-high school education at Baylor University before attending and graduating from the Loyola (now LSU) School of Dentistry in 1951. He served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1954, returning to Lake Charles to practice dentistry in 1954. Shortly thereafter he met the love of his life, Betty Ann Dahlgren, with whom he celebrated sixty years of marriage on September 28th of this year. 

He was a greatly loved and respected Lake Charles area dentist for over 33 years until his retirement from active practice in 1988. During the course of his dental career, he served his profession in numerous positions including as an officer and member of the Southwest Louisiana Dental Association and as a mentor to other future dentists.

Dr. Carleton was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Lake Charles.  He served his church as an Administrative Board Member, Sunday School leader, and faithful west wing balcony usher for decades.

Dr. Carleton was fortunate to enjoy an active retirement life along with Betty.  He was a recognized portrait painter, gardener, tennis and card player, barbershop singer, and highly sought after dance partner. He was also an active community volunteer, part-time real estate agent, and member of the Associated Louisiana Artists of Lake Charles.  He believed in staying active and was always known for his smile, optimistic spirit, sense of humor, and infectious laugh. He loved people and was happiest in the company of family and friends.

A devoted family man, Dr. Carleton is survived by his wife, Betty Ann Dahlgren Carleton, and their children and spouses, son Mike Carleton and wife Jackie, son Steve Carleton, daughter Beth Carleton Wilburn and husband Mike, and son Bill Carleton and wife Lisa, along with ten loved and spoiled grandchildren, Laura Carleton Doody, Trent and Grant Wilburn, and Rebecca, Ellen, Joseph, John, Will, Anna Catherine, and Emily Carleton, along with “adopted” son/nephew David Dahlgren and wife Terri and their children Kristen Dahlgren Dude, Kyle Dahlgren and Kaitlin Dahlgren McCarley.

Preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mildred Carleton Sundin, his brother Paul Melvin Carleton, and survived by his sister Sandra Carleton Houghton and husband Robert.  Dr. Carleton is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces and their children that he loved greatly and who loved him in return. He hosted an annual “Carleton Family” Thanksgiving gathering in Lake Charles for many years to bring everyone together.

A memorial service celebrating his full life will be held in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, at 11 a.m. Visitation will begin on Sunday, Dec. 4th in Paxton Hall at the Church from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and resume Monday from 10 AM until the time of the service. 

Honorary Pallbearers are: Mr. Art Hollins, Dr. Allen Perkins, Dr. Richard Chafin, Dr. Robert Welborn, and Dr. Charles Mackey.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Dr. Carleton’s memory to the Caring Ministry Program of First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles or the charity of your choice.