John Carlton

John Allen Carlton, 61, lost his valiant battle with cancer on June 23, 2009. He was born May 24, 1948, in Denton, Texas, and was raised on a ranch in Hartshorne, Okla. John was very proud of his Western heritage, which was so lovingly instilled in him by his parents, Bill and Mary Carlton.

After graduating from Hartshorne High School, he attended Eastern Oklahoma A&M College. His education was interrupted when he was called to duty to serve with the 1st Cavalry Division during the Viet Nam war, where he earned the distinguished Silver Star.

After discovering that his unit was completely pinned down, he single-handedly eliminated the entire band of enemy forces that were threatening not only their positions but their lives. John also was awarded the Bronze Star, as well as the Purple Heart. More recently he was honored by being inducted into the Wall of Valor at the John J. Pershing V.A. Medical Center at Poplar Bluff.

After completing his service to our country, John began a long and successful career in the floral industry and became very skilled in both sales and sales training. In this capacity he was hired by Redbook Florist Services in Paragould. John, though, had always wanted to have his own business, and in 1992, along with his wife Vicki, built Master Marketing in Piggott. The company continues, with the help of many good employees, to thrive still.

John is survived by his wife Vicki, son Nick and daughter Lacey of the home; also a daughter, Shala Peterson along with grandson Carlton and granddaughters Maison and Murphy of Hartshorne, Okla.; his parents, Bill and Mary Carlton, and brother Mike, all of Hartshorne.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 26, at Hoggard and Sons Chapel in Piggott.