Carleton Eugene McMullin

Carleton Eugene McMullin


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Jul 17th, 2015

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  • Death Date: Jul 17, 2015

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Biography: Carleton Eugene McMullin died unexpectedly early on Friday, July 17, 2015 in Bend, OR. He and his wife Jane were in Bend vacationing with friends and family. Bend was Carleton?s happy place; he loved the cool crisp air and the majestic mountains. Carleton was born on February 17, 1932 in Hutchinson, KS. He graduated from Hutchinson High School and went to the University of Oklahoma on a track scholarship. There he met and married Beth Becker McMullin in 1952. They were happily married for almost 50 years. After graduating in 1954 and being a newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenant he and Beth moved to Germany for two years where he commanded a classified signal detachment. They returned to the states and the University of Kansas where he earned his Masters in Public Administration in the premier program in the country in city management. He spent 28 years in city management going from McAlester, OK to Oak Ridge, TN and finally Little Rock, AR. He retired from that career to pursue new business endeavors with a young company, Precision Tune Auto Care. He acquired the area rights for the Precision Tune Centers throughout parts of Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi. He served as Chairman of Keystone Enterprises, Inc. and president of several related businesses. He enjoyed the challenge associated with finding good sites in many cities and helping new franchisees learn and grow the business. While he was very business oriented he also cared about the communities where he lived. He was a member of the US Office of Science and Technology Advisory Pane, Chairman of the Urban Technology Systems Advisory Board, and a member of the National Science Foundation Advisory Board, and consultant to the National Science Foundation. He served as a commissioner of the Little Rock Housing Authority, on the Board of Our House, and on the Vestry of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. He was a member of Rotary for over 35 years and a Paul Harris Fellow. In 2003 Carleton reconnected with an old friend from their mutual time on the Housing Authority, Jane Saunders. He and Jane married that December and have been blessed with 12 incredibly happy years. His parents, Cloys Emmett McMullin and Beatrice Ellise Jennings McMullin, his first wife, Beverly Beth Becker McMullin and his stepson, Harry Parkin Saunders, predeceased Carleton. He is survived by his wife, Jane Parkin Saunders McMullin, daughters: Lucinda ?Cindy? Williams (Doyle), Charis Ann Brady (John), Step-daughter, Ann Victor (Vicki) Kirchoff, Step-son, William Andrew Saunders, grandchildren: Lindsey Erin Brewer (Josh), Blake Anthony Williams (Layna), Lucas Tyler Brady; Step-grandchildren: Harry Kirchoff, Nicholas Kirchoff and Katherine Kirchoff. And finally, great grands: Victory Elise Brewer, Olivia Noel Brewer, and Blaine Timothy Williams, and Step-great grand Theodore (Teddy) Parkin Kirchoff. Carleton loved traveling; his parents, who as teachers had summers to explore, nurtured this love. On his trips he rode as many trains as he could. This love affair began when he worked summers as a fireman on trains hauling grain through Kansas. His other passion was his yard, his exquisite flowers and natural greenery all highlighted by an incredible garden railroad. His joy was planning the plantings, feeding his birds, and watching life evolve out of doors. And he loved to have friends and groups over to share his gardens and his trains. He was such a kind, gentle, loving soul who cherished his family; and he cared for every pet or visiting animal. He was a wise and tenderhearted man who will be missed beyond words. The memorial service will be at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on Friday, July 24th at 11:00A.M. A reception will follow at the church. The family will be at 12821 Ridgehaven Road. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 W. 17th St., Little Rock, AR 72206, Our House, 302 E Roosevelt, Little Rock, AR 72206 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Condolences(07)
Georgia Mjartan
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I first met Carleton twelve years ago. I was 23 and certainly the youngest person on the board of Our House. He was...well...older than that. Carleton was so kind to me as I was just a kid learning the ropes of how to be on a "real" board of directors. He taught me so much by leading by example. He was patient, kind and asked great questions during those board meetings. A few years later, after I became Executive Director, I had the pleasure of working even more closely with Carleton. He was always so willing - even happy - to serve on our campaign committees and to give his own generous support during a time when Our House needed it more than ever. We were serving more and more homeless people every day - especially families - and Carleton had a real heart for the poor. He was "all in" in his service as a board member. For many years, I lost touch with him. But then one day just a few months ago, my husband and I found ourselves in that Chinese restaurant in the Heights with our two babies in tow. We were a little worried that our two children would disturb the older couple having a nice quiet meal behind us. I cannot tell you my joy when the lady sitting behind me turned and said how sweet our little girl was. After a closer look, I realized that the lovely couple was Carleton and Jane, who I had not seen in years! Jane held my daughter for most of the meal (letting my husband and I get in an actual "date" despite having two babies under one) and Carleton graciously recounted his fond memories of our time working together on the board of Our House. It was a wonderful final memory of Carleton that I will forever be grateful for. How beautiful now that so many (and I mean MANY) of Carleton's friends have made donations to Our House in his memory, carrying on his legacy of service and making an impact in the lives of thousands of homeless families and children. My thoughts are with you, Jane. I am so sorry I couldn't be at the funeral (I really wanted to be). (I was home with a newborn baby just a week old...)

Love, Georgia
Karen Flake
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Jane,
I am so sorry to hear of Carleton's death. He was such a congenial man who epitomized Southern gentility. On the playful side, I have fond memories of hearing him talk about his trains and then seeing the actual set-up with all its hard work and creativity. He will certainly be missed. I hope you find comfort in many more wonderful memories.--Karen
Joe Flaherty
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Carlton was an friend and inspirational leader who devoted considerable amounts of his precious time and energy to help establish "Our House", a program to help the Homeless re-enter productive society, that would become a National Model program helping hundreds of homeless individuals and families in Arkansas and many Thousands Nationwide. Without his guidance and encouragement while I was The Founding Executive Director I doubt we would have been successful in that endeavor. Carlton McMullin was indeed a rare person, he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
Brenda Scisson
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Jane, I am saddened by the news of Carlton's death. I have fond memories of visiting with the two of you at Rotary. When I could not get over to say hello, I found myself occasionally observing you two and thinking, "look how happy they are!" I pray for your peace and comfort as you face life without him. As believers, we know that one day we will all be united again in our real home, Heaven. God bless.
Dee Davis
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Cindy,
My thought and Prayers are with you and your family.
Your father was one of my favorite customers when I was working at Regions Cypress Branch.
Dee
Allan E. Meadors
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
The last time I saw Carlton he sat in front of me at Trinity and told me about the Oregon trip. I had the pleasure of knowing him as soon as he got to Little Rock and we have remained good friends all these years. Carlton had great qualities and he was a wonderful man. We both sat on the finance committee of the Vestry together and I never made a move without calling Carlton. I will be there Friday for the funeral.
Pat McClelland
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Carlton was a wonderful friend to so many, he will be greatly missed.

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