Carlton D. Chamblin Sr.

1943 - 2021

Carlton D. Chamblin Sr. died in his home surrounded by his wife and children at 2:00pm on Thursday, April 8th, 2021. Carl was the second child born to Vernon and Catherine Chamblin of Otway, Ohio on July 27, 1943 at 1:40pm.

Carl, like his parents before him, graduated from Jefferson High School near West Union, Ohio. One of Carl's favorite pastimes was reading: Carl read over 24,000 books in his life. Carl joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating high school. Carl's first duty station was at Makah Air Force Station, where he met the love of his life, Dorothy "Dotti" Chamblin. The two shared their lives for over 60 years; they have 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

Carl was preceded in death by his brother Kenny, his niece Beverly, his father Vernon, his mother Catherine, aka "Goldie", his brother-in-law Chuck, and his sister Shirley.

Carl is survived by his wife Dotti, his daughters Cathy (Duane), Christena (Ernie), Hazel (Brian), his son Carl Jr., and nephews Jimmy (Joanne), Charlie (Patrice), Marc, Heather. Carl Sr. had 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren over the years.

Carl Sr. lived a life worth living; he was married for 60 years. He earned a pension from his years of working at the USAF. Carl Sr. or "Cham", as most people knew him, had a gun shop for many years. His love of hunting and marksmanship influenced many of his sales.

Cham for years sold fireworks-the kids from Di'aht to 200 line raced to Cham's last day sale, where one kid would get to buy everything on the table for $25.00 or less.

Until Cham was diagnosed with COPD, he was sure to teach all of his grandchildren how to ride their bicycles. Cham had that loving touch that inspired all of his children to be confident.

Even in struggle, Cham resolutely lived by his convictions-which is to say, he lived as long as he could. The example he set living his life was an honor to his parents' Christian values and the Makah values which his father-in-law, Clifford Ba Ba' Sit Johnson Sr. taught him.

To describe my dad, I would say that he was the strong and silent type. He led his family and his life by his example. He was always working and providing, but he would make time for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his ever-loving wife. The Floyd Cramer song, "The Last Date", totally encapsulates the essence of who my Dad was. His humor and compassion were always part of the verses to the tune he carried. Dad told me one time that he liked his music to be instrumental. This was on my mind as I penned this tribute to my Hero, my Dad: His manly way of being. His confidence always provided a melody to all that he endeavored. His generosity was his bridge that he lovingly laid down for all to get past or through. And of course, his life melody had a chorus. The chorus was his guiding philosophy, family, honor, loyalty, and that these values are made stronger through gainful employment. When I hear these words out loud, I hear my Dad.