Carleton R. Seidel

Carleton R. SEIDEL Carleton R. Seidel, 91 years old, passed away peacefully at his home Nov 26, 2011 with his son, Kevin, by his side. Carleton was born October 16, 1920 in Chicago, IL just as the "Roaring 20's" began. His immediate family consisted of his father, Les; his mother, Madeline; and his younger sister, Gloria. Carleton called Wisconsin home during the next twenty-one years of his life; went to school; survived the Great Depression and joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1942. Like the man who came to dinner, his military service extended beyond the duration, and he retired in 1965. Several military highlights remain imbedded in his memory bank, including a combat tour with the Eighth Air Force, sixteen years assigned to Strategic Air Command, Flying B 29s through B 52s, and his final assignment to MAC at McChord Air Force Base, all wondrous years. The highlights of his personal life occurred in 1952 when he married Norma Evelyn Talbot, of Vancouver, B.C. They soon had two children, Kevin and Jayne. Since his "retirement" in 1965, he has owned and operated a restaurant in Lakewood, has been employed by Boeing twice, has worked for Pierce County for seven years and has been active in the electronic media. He also wrote a weekly column for the Lakewood Press. His hobbies are reading, music, photography and fishing. Carleton's community involvement includes, March of Dimes, a past board member of Retired Senior Volunteer program, member of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, past president of the West Tacoma Optimist Club, a member of Downtown Kiwanis, a board member of Lakewood Senior Center, past member of Citizens Advisory panel for senior employment and WSU Extension Department. Carlton also was a volunteer co-host of 60 Plus, a public service program dedicated to his peer group, which has been seen on KSTW Channel 11. The infamous depression revealed one verity to Carlton.....no one accomplishes anything without the direct or indirect support of others. It may be one's parents, teachers, relatives, the clergy, friends, or one's immediate family, each can and does make a difference. Carleton Seidel is one of a kind, dedicating his life to his family and country. He will be in our hearts forever, and we will miss him dearly. He is survived by his sister Gloria Seidel McCuen, and his children Kevin and Jayne Seidel.