ROBERT NICHOLS CARLTON

1917 - 2014

ROBERT NICHOLS CARLTON October 20, 1917 - January 27, 2014 Robert (Bob) Carlton, Lt. Colonel, USAF retired, passed away in Riverside, California on January 27, 2014. Bob was born and raised in Morgan Hill, CA to Fred and Violet (Sherwin) Carlton, the fourth of five children. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1941 and became a P-38 fighter pilot, taking part in the historic flight to England in Operation Bolero and the invasion of North Africa in Operation Torch in 1942. Following the war, Bob participated in the Berlin Airlift in 1948. Bob was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. In 1943, he met and married Lois Stoffers from Salinas, CA. Bob and Lois had five children. He retired from the Air Force in 1966. After retirement, Bob went to work for Philco/Ford, the City of Burbank, and eventually for a Navy contractor in Camarillo near the house they built on an avocado ranch close to Somis, CA. In 1994 Bob and Lois moved to Air Force Village West in Riverside, CA where they spent the last 20 years of their lives, serving others as they had always done. Together they were docents at the P-38 museum at March ARB, volunteer representatives for the AFVW, and helpers at the canteen for deploying service members overseas. Bob was a gentleman, kind, humble, generous, and always ready with a smile. He knew the Lord Jesus, and his family takes great comfort knowing he is in the loving arms of Jesus, right beside his beloved wife. Bob is survived by his five children, their spouses, 16 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and his close friend, Jean Leal. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the P-38 National Association. Graveside Service: Riverside National Cemetery, Feb. 13, 2014 at 11:00a.m., Staging Area #5. Chapel Service and Reception: Air Force Village West Chapel following at 1:00p.m. PRESTON & SIMONS MORTUARY Funeral Directors, 951-683-7410