Howard Nixon Carlton, of Eskota, Texas, died on April 11, 2012 at Hendrick Medical Center. He was 78 years old.

Services have been set for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at McCoy Chapel of Memories with Reverend James Baker officiating. Interment will follow at Palava Cemetery.

Mr. Carlton was born on October 15, 1933 in Busby, Texas. Howard lived most of his life in the Sweetwater area. He was a member of the Longworth Baptist Church. Howard built and operated one of the largest dairy farms in West Texas in the 1970’s and 80’s. He loved traveling, and watching sports especially the Texas Rangers.

He is survived by: Companion- Linda Zimmerlee of Eskota Texas; Sons- Jerry Carlton and his wife, Sally, of Dallas, Texas, Rick Carlton and his wife, Pam, of Ft. Stockton, Texas; Daughters- Teresa Moore of Dallas, Texas, Holly Bertuccelli and her husband, Randall, of Walnut Creek, California, Cindy Hughes of Plano, Texas; Children’s Mother- Irma Ruth Carlton of Plano, Texas; Sisters- Barbara Kay Pockrus of Justin, Texas, Judy White of Odessa, Texas; 10 Grandchildren; and 2 Great-grandchildren.

Mr. Carlton was preceded in death by his parents, Raphael Nixon and Oleta Bell Carlton, and one sister.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 13, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Pallbearers are Derrick Carlton, Kevin Carlton, Greg Hughes, Jack Carlton, Tommy Thompson, and Mike Dalton. Honorary pallbearers are Ted Dalton and Brian Dalton.

Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society National Office, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605.