Kenneth was born August 18, 1942 in Stamford, Texas, the son of the late Lynn Bunkley and Alline Ruby (Schmidt) Carlton. He graduated from Paint Creek High School in 1960 and married Joyce Woods on May 14, 1960 in Paint Creek. Kenneth and Joyce became proud parents of a daughter, Deborah and a son, Kevin. In 1963, he attended and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Midwestern State University. While working on his doctorate, Kenneth earned his Masters Degree from Oregon State University in Plant Pathology and Seed Breeding. From 1968 to 1970, he worked for Lubbock Paymaster Growers Seed Association. Upon moving back to Stamford, he was a co-owner and operator of Bronco Seed Company for 33 years, retired and continued to farm the family land in 2003. He served on the Stamford City Council, serving also as Mayor Pro-Tem and the Men's Golf Association of the Stamford Country Club. Kenneth and Joyce made their home in Stamford until moving to Abilene in 2011. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle with friends and was an avid golfer. His true passion in life was watching his grandkids participate in their personal activities. It was evident that Kenneth was a great husband, father and grandfather, as he truly loved loving on his great grandkids and "Gabby", his dog. Kenneth was member of the Church of Christ.
Preceding Kenneth in death were his parents.
Kenneth is lovingly survived by his wife, Joyce Carlton of Abilene; children, Deborah and Michael Huggins of Stamford, Kevin and Lisa Carlton of Abilene; sister, Carolyn and Don Sluga of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; grandchildren, Matt Huggins and Bre Huggins of Stamford, Brennon and Brittany Manske of Farmers Branch, Amy and Matt Santos of Killeen, Britta Manske and fiancé Clint Gardner of Aspermont, Dylan and Brittany Huggins of Perry, Oklahoma, Zach Carlton, Connor Carlton, Landry Carlton, all of Abilene; great grandchildren, Mikenlee, Stetson, Kylon, Kameron, Logan, Reid and two others on the way.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.
Pallbearers serving for Kenneth will be Dean Rosenquist, Steve Pardo, Raymond "Booger" Hughes, Lynn Nauert, Todd Harris, Ken Roberson, John Bill Oman and Wally Garber.