NORWICH – Carlton G. Atkinson, 84, of Howard Street, Norwich, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2006 at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City.
Born Oct. 24, 1921 in Norwich, he was the son of William H. and Estella G. Mattice Atkinson. Carlton graduated from Norwich High School, and then entered the U.S. Army Air Force, serving with the 8th Air Force, 95th Bomber Group as a tail gunner on B-17 Flying Fortresses. He flew 35 combat missions over enemy territory.
After World War II, Carlton worked with his father as a carpenter, and became involved with the Carpenters and Joiners Union, eventually becoming president of the Hudson Valley District Council. He served the union for 35 years, meeting seven presidents, including John F. Kennedy. He was also a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and joiners of America.
On Sept. 3, 1960, Carlton married Ruth Osterhout. Ruth passed away in July of 1997. He is survived by his sisters, Virginia Atkinson and Marjorie Scott of Norwich, and Caroline Brewster of Mass.; three nieces, Patricia F. Scott of Norwich, Sally Mannion of Arizona and Beverly Johnson of Colorado; and two nephews, Sean Brewster of Vermont and Don Auwarter of Arizona. He is also survived by three stepsons, Donald, Bruce and Wayne Osterhout, all of Norwich. Several step-grandchildren also survive. He was predeceased by three sisters: Freda Nodecker, Evelyn Auwarter and ArraWanna Stone.
Funeral services for Carlton will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday with Rev. Brian Conover, pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church, officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m.
Condolences may be sent to Carlton’s family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.