Thomas William Carlton

Thomas William Carlton obituary, Tecumseh, MI

Thomas William Carlton

Thomas Carlton Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Handler Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Tecumseh Chapel on Jan. 15, 2026.
Tom was born in Detroit, Michigan to Charles L. and Eva Ruth (Drescher) Carlton, December 2, 1931. Moved to Clinton in 1942 and graduated from Clinton High School in 1949. Tom attended Michigan State University. On December 9, 1951, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Patty, and together they raised three sons and were dairy farmers, side-by-side, for 60 years. Tom enjoyed watching their three sons participate in sports at Clinton High School and attending sports events at Sand Creek High School that their son, Mark, coached.
Tom was a member of the Clinton School Board for nine years, eight of which he was the treasurer, and he also held various positions in his church and farm organizations over the years. In later years he enjoyed maintaining his home and farm and traveling with Patty. He also was a volunteer driver for the Dept. Of Aging for five years.
Tom is survived by three sons, Bruce (Stephanie) of Clinton, Mark (Carolyn) of Adrian, and Terry (Sara) of Raleigh, N.C., six grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
A private service for family and close relatives will be held at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes with Pastor David Bucholtz officiating. Donations may be made to Hospice of Lenawee.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Thomas Carlton's Guest Book

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January 20, 2026

Anna Heist posted to the memorial.

January 18, 2026

Deb Gallatin Hertler posted to the memorial.

January 16, 2026

Penni Bowen posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Anna Heist

January 20, 2026

I was blessed to care for Tom and Patty and they were such a light to my life. My deepest condolences

Deb Gallatin Hertler

January 18, 2026

Prayers, sympathy and condolences to the Carlton family on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. May God bless all of you.

Penni Bowen

January 16, 2026

Sending condolences and prayers to the family

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Handler Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Tecumseh Chapel

313 W. Pottawatamie St., Tecumseh, MI 49286

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Sign Thomas Carlton's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 20, 2026

Anna Heist posted to the memorial.

January 18, 2026

Deb Gallatin Hertler posted to the memorial.

January 16, 2026

Penni Bowen posted to the memorial.