WESTFIELD, MASS. – Carlton Louis Carkhuff, 81, of Westfield, Mass., passed away on Feb. 20, 2008.
Carl was born on March 15, 1926 in Norwich to George and Phoebe Carkhuff. His wife of 49 years, Jacqueline, passed away in 2003.
He is survived by his son, David and daughter-in-law, Roslyn of Westfield; his sister, Evelyn of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Arlene of Norwich; a brother-in-law, William Egan and his wife, Jean, of Westfield, Mass. along with nine nieces and nephews.
His brother, Alan, a life-long Norwich resident, passed away in 1983.
As a young man, Carl developed an early interest in mechanics, a vocation he enjoyed well into his 70s. After high school, Carl enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps (later U.S.A.F.), eventually becoming a Staff Sargeant during and after World War II. Stationed in the Pacific, he maintained C-46’s and later served as Flight Engineer for C-47’s. After the service, Carlton graduated from Chicago University. Carl was a draftsman and engineer at Titeflex in the 1950’s, where he met Jackie; later on he was vice-president of Engineering at Springfield Wire for 32 years. A good-natured, quiet soul, Carl had a wonderful life. Above all, he was a great caretaker of his wife during her long bout with cancer. A good father, best friend and a loving husband will be deeply missed.
A memorial service for both Carl and Jackie will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Carlton’s name to Baystate VNA and Hospice, 50 Maple St., P.O. Box 9058, Springfield, Mass. 01102-9058.