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BORN
1920
DIED
2011
Carlton Runnels Obituary
He was born in Clinton on July 14, 1920, the son of Ralph W. Runnels and Fanny Bell Willey. Most of his childhood was spent in Clinton, graduating from Clinton High School, class of 1940.
Carlton then proceeded to work in his father's woodenware factory. He entered the Army Air Corps in 1942 and was proud to do so.
He met and married Inza Lewis in 1944, and the couple shared 55 years together until her passing in 2000. They enjoyed traveling and going out for lobster dinners quite frequently.
Carlton also loved working in his woodworking shop, where he carved and created many unique and beautiful pieces, of which he was very proud of. He enjoyed the look on people's faces when he handed them the finished pieces. He was also very proud of the cupola that he built for the gazebo in Monument Park in Fairfield.
Carlton donated this piece to the town out of the goodness of his heart.
He was employed by Mayo Construction company in Waterville. Carlton also worked for and retired from Architectural Wood Craft in Vassalboro.
He is survived by a sister, Jenny R. Smith of Dallas, Texas; three nieces, Edna Mary Flicker of Washington, D.C., and Evangeline Tartt and Sandra Webber, both of Farmington; three nephews, Woodie Smith of Hampton, Georgia, and Ralph Irwin and Rodney Irwin both of Homestead, Fla.; and two very dear friends, Bruce and Marlene Clement who looked after him for the past several years.
He will be truly missed and fondly remembered.
Visiting hours will be from 9 to 11 a.m. with a funeral service to begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield. Burial with military honors will follow at Greenlawn Rest Cemetery in Clinton.
Condolences may be expressed at www.lawrybrothers.com.
Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 107 Main Street, Fairfield 453-6049 or (800) 660-2111.
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Memories and Condolences
for Carlton Runnels
Jeanie Wynne
May 25, 2011
With so many fond memories of you & Auntie Inza...the stories you told, the visits we had, the travels you took & your extrodinary gift of craftmanship (several items passed down through generations) you will be missed but certainly not forgotten. Peace be with you at home with Inza & other loved ones. Sincerely, your niece Jeanie Lewis Wynne
May 18, 2011
Uncle Carlton my family will miss you. I remember all your stories you told when I was growing up and I enjoyed hearing them. I know you missed Aunt Inza enormously as I do each day. You now can be reunited with her once again. You both were so well-liked by all and will be truly missed. You both loved going to the coast for lobster and traveling.
You both truly were an inspiration for a long marriage and your love and adoration for each other.
Your carpentry talent is a blessing and we treasure the gifts you made us all and the community.
God Bless you, Uncle Carlton.
Brenda (Lewis) Reynolds
Bruce Webber
May 17, 2011
After Inza died, my mother, Sandra, would often bring Uncle Carlton to thanksgiving dinner. I'll miss hearing his stories about my great-grand parents and my grandmother. While telling the stories he'd devour half the turkey, after which he would fall asleep on the couch and wake up just as desert was being served. It was a treat when he and my grand-mother, Gladys, would start talking about when they were kids.
Tina Smith (Lewis) Vickery
May 17, 2011
Uncle Carlton will be missed. I remember so many fun times with Auntie Inza and Carlton while growing up. His adoration and love for Auntie Inza was extraordinary. I am pleased imagining his reunion with Auntie Inza and my mom and dad.
Uncle Carlton had an enormous gift of carpentry. That talent is a small part of his legacy to the community and more importantly is a treasured gift to all the family he leaves behind who have those gifts of his God given talent.
I will miss his gentle spirit and his unassuming presence in all of our lives. God Bless you, Uncle Carlton.
Tina Smith (Lewis) Vickery
Marie Johnston
May 16, 2011
Marlene and Bruce, I know you folks have been the best, looking out and doing all of the things for him that needed to be done. It is with great sympathy that I write this as I have known Carlton for close to 50 years and I am sure he will be greatly missed, especially by the 2 of you and the rest of his family. Marie Johnston
Bill Dionne
May 16, 2011
Carlton your free to travel and be once again with Inza.God speed !
Karen Loftus
May 16, 2011
Central Maine Veterans Memorial Park/ Winslow Supply Inc. wishes to offer our deepest sympathy to Carlton's family. We will be visiting our father Dan DeRoch in MA on Wednesday and let him know of Carlton's passing.
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