Casper V. Carlton

1940 - 2021

Casper V. Carlton
May 28, 1940 - September 17, 2021
Sacramento, California -
Casper V. Carlton, Jr., teacher, counselor, mentor, husband, father, uncle, an inspiration to countless humans across the world, and master of the perfect hug, passed on peacefully with his loving family by his side, on September 17, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, two sons, Casey (Pim) and Jay (Angel). An only child, Casper fully embraced and loved his wife's 12 nieces and nephews, and 11 great nieces and nephews as his own.
Born on May 28, 1940, to Mr. and Mrs. Casper Carlton of Penn's Grove, New Jersey. He grew up playing sports and received many player and team awards. After high school, he tried out for the Pittsburg Pirates in 1958. Ironically, he failed because his run-time went long, the result of a serious football injury to his leg. His dream of playing in the pros now out of reach, he quickly moved on to academic scholarship, and a life mission of service to others.
While attending Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky from 1958-1962, he assumed numerous leadership roles in campus organizations, and played catcher for the college baseball team. Casper loved to dance, and especially liked "The Twist." He and his buddies would don suits and skinny black ties for nightly outings to the campus Snack Shack, to dance. When "The Twist" came on, everyone would stand back to give Casper room to "really swing it Daddy!" And, in regular attendance was his primary, and most enduring passion for 60 years, Nancy.
After graduating with a degree in business and history, Casper joined the first wave of the Peace Corp in 1962. He was assigned to Jimma, Ethiopia, where he lived and worked for two years, teaching administrative and secretarial skills to Ethiopian youth and young adults. This experience had a profound impact on him and led him to select Education and youth as his career path in life.
Married in 1964, Casper and Nancy took jobs in the War on Poverty program as "Community Action Technicians," in North Carolina, administering employment, training and literacy programs for youth and adults. Having loved teaching in Ethiopia, Casper pursued his teaching credential at New Mexico State University, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He then accepted a teaching position in Sacramento, which he would call home for the rest of his life.
Casper's first teaching assignment was at American Legion Continuation High School. Realizing he was counseling youth as much as teaching, he returned to school to obtain an M.S. in School Counseling. From 1972 until retirement in 2001, he served as a vocational counselor at Sacramento High School, Luther Burbank High School, West Campus, as an Elementary Counselor at Oakridge Elementary School, and lastly, as Counselor at McClatchy High School in 1986, where he was affectionately known as "Mr. C." until his retirement.
His legacy was best described in an article printed in "Inside Sacramento," magazine in 2000. During the interview, Casper shared a story of a student coming into his office and letting all his troubles out. Casper said, 'What do you want me to do to help?' The student said, 'Nothing, just listen.' And, listen Carlton did for the past 35 years, becoming one of the most popular and well-loved counselors in the school district. … leaving a legacy of trust and respect at McClatchy."
During these years, Casper was an active member of Centennial United Methodist Church, assuming several leadership roles, and an active parent, supporting his sons in youth and sports activities, and their education. He worked with The International Exchange Program to bring two high school students from Spain for a year. One of them lived with Casper and his family. On weekends, Casper could be found on the golf course with his golfing buddies.
Near retirement, Casper and Nancy moved to Lake Wildwood, outside of Grass Valley. There, he enjoyed golf, and continued connection with teens as he served as a volunteer judge of senior projects for the Nevada Union High School. Loving to travel, Casper visited his son in Thailand twice, and traveled Asia, Europe, the US, Mexico, and Canada with Nancy.
In 2010, they moved back to Sacramento, to a peaceful setting with caring neighbors and both sons nearby. He discovered another passion as a volunteer at the South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership Food Closet. During the pandemic, he enjoyed playing bridge with friends on-line, doing 1500-piece puzzles, and making banana nut bread and fudge for neighbors and friends. For these blessings, his family is eternally grateful. He will be sorely missed and happily remembered. May he dwell in peace and love now and always.
A Celebration of Life will be held in late spring. Written remembrances may be sent to casperpointoflight@gmail.com. Those wishing to make a contribution in memory of Casper, may send a check to the South Sacramento Interfaith Food Closet, 5625 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95822