Karen Carlton

(From Parker Mortuary)

Karen K. Carlton (Wickware), age 82, Joplin Mo. passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Karen was born in 1941 in Pittsburg, KS. She is preceded in death by her father, John H. Wickware and her mother, Margaret A. Wickware, and one brother, Douglas K. Wickware. Karen was also preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, David L. Carlton.

She is survived by their four children, John Gregory D. Carlton, David Lee Carlton II and daughter in law Donna Carlton, Travis Hale Carlton and Kelly K. Carlton. Seven granddaughters, five grandsons, and three great grandchildren which were all her pride and joy.

Karen graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1959. She was active on the swim team, was the featured majorette for the band and was named Miss Pittsburg KS in 1957. Karen was a loving and loyal stay at home mother to her four children and took great pride in being a keeper of the home. In 1980, she became the Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator for the Joplin Unit of the American Cancer Society until 1984. 

In 1984-2014, Karen was the Administrator for the Woman’s Club of Joplin MO. Karen enjoyed sewing and spent many hours making clothes and costumes for her daughter. She loved to bowl and spent many years competing in bowling leagues. Karen played in Bridge groups and loved to play Dominoes with her grandchildren. 

David and Karen enjoyed spending their Friday nights dancing at the Elk’s Lodge of Joplin. Karen loved College sports and planned her weekends around Notre Dame, Oklahoma Sooner, and KC Chiefs games. Karen was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church of Joplin.

Memorial Funeral Mass will be Friday, April 5, 2024 at 12:00 Noon in St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with Father Brian Straus officiating. The family will receive friends after the service in the church basement.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude’s in lieu of flowers.