William Joe Carlton

Passed away Friday, July 24, 2020 at home. Bill was born June 30, 1946 in Kalamazoo the son of Robert and Celina (Simson) Carlton. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran serving during the Vietnam era and retired as a shop supervisor for Durametallic (Flowserve). Bill was a former police officer for Portage Police Dept., Member of the Ft. Custer National Cemetery Honor Guard, Member of the Junior Achievement, Galesburg Museum Board and was Santa for the Galesburg Winter Wonderland. He is survived by his wife Linda Mezo Carlton; five children, Jim (Barb) Zuidema, Laurie (Don) Thurman, Paul Hainer, Lorrie Harness, Jim Carlton; five grandchildren, Bethany Zuidema, Cole Zuidema, Brianna Zuidema, Emily Hainer, Brody Thurman; sister in law, Brenda Carlton; several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by three siblings, Frances (Dave) Allen, Bob Carlton, Ruth (William) Baker. Friends will be received 5-8 pm Friday, July 31, 2020 at Redmond Funeral Home, Kalamazoo. Interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery on August 3, 2020 at 2:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be distributed to charities of Bill’s Wishes.