John David Carlton

John David Carlton of Casper, Wyoming passed away at his home on the evening of September 1, 2025. He was 68 years old.

John was born on September 13, 1956 in Casper to James (Jim) L. and Nina (Stephens) Carlton. He was the youngest of four boys. He attended Pineview Elementary School, East Junior High, and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1974.

From a young age, John was intelligent, charismatic, athletic, strong-willed, and - at times - probably too mischievous for his own good. He was an Eagle Scout, baseball player, and strong swimmer, even catching the attention of top coaches in Colorado Springs at a young age. His love of travel was sparked in part by two family road trips to - and through - Mexico in which the four boys squeezed into the back seat of the family car, headed south from Wyoming, and their parents, Jim and Nina, opened their eyes to the wonders of travel off the beaten path.

A life-long learner, John attended the University of Wyoming, Casper College, and Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. On more than one occasion, it was said that John would ace a final test after just a quick read of the textbook, having never attended class.

John’s working life was diverse and varied, including positions in sales, service, construction, and even fossil prep at the Tate Geological Museum. He ultimately settled into the oil and gas industry, retiring as an independent directional drilling contractor in 2015.

Most who knew John would remark on his intelligence and knack for elaboration, traits that were ever present in the vivid, detail-rich stories he told. (Curious to know what the curve of the road looked and felt like? Oh, he would tell you). In addition to storyteller, he was an avid reader and music enthusiast, always eager to share and talk about his favorite authors, artists, and albums with others.

John had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and loved camping, fishing, scenic drives, geology, wildlife, and the great wide open of Wyoming. He also had very fond memories of trips down to Colorado visiting his brother Bill and partner David at their beautiful home, where he enjoyed delicious meals, mountain views, and great conversation. He often regarded those stays as his very own therapeutic retreat.

John will be remembered for his intelligence, dry sense of humor, quest for adventure, robust (never short) stories, and the deep love he held for his family and three daughters - his “Squirrels” - Dawn, Hilary, and Whitney.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James L. and Nina (Stephens) Carlton, and his eldest brothers Jim “Jimbo” Carlton and Tom Carlton. He is survived by his brother Bill (David) Carlton of Longmont, CO; his aunt Laura Jo Stephens (Gary) Schisler of Moon township, PA; his daughters Dawn (Joe) Armatys of Hastings, NE, Hilary (Billy) Cage of Casper, and Whitney (Peter) Lang of Casper; his four granddaughters Briana, Mackenzie, Kennedy, and Wren; his first grandson, Austin; a niece Kelsey and four nephews Chad, Ryan, Eric, and Scott. He is also survived by many long-time friends - near and far - whom he spoke of often and cherished dearly.

A memorial service for John will be held at 11am on Sunday, September 14th at Newcomer Funeral Home in Casper (710 East 2nd Street). The service will be followed by a ‘Celebration of Life’ reception hosted by the family.