Don Carlton

With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a remarkable soul, Don L. Carlton. Born in San Diego, California, on November 4, 1928. Don's journey led him to become an integral part of the Ventura community for 67 years. His departure on April 26, 2024, in Ventura, California, at the age of 95, leaves behind a profound void in the hearts of many. Don's legacy as a pillar of the community is woven into the fabric of Ventura. With over six decades dedicated to the real estate industry, his impact resonates far beyond the properties he managed. Beginning his illustrious real estate career after a successful tenure as Regional Marketing Director with SoundScriber/Xerox Corporation, Don's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Don L. Carlton Real Estate Services in 1963. His commitment to excellence never wavered, from navigating the vibrant sales of the Ventura Keys to specializing in Property Management, Real Estate Brokerage Services, and Real Estate Consulting up until his final days. This achievement would not have been possible without the gifts, talents, and skills of Karen Grimme, who served as his diligent office manager for 45 years, commencing her tenure with Don at the young age of 19. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army Logistics Department, Don's service was marked by honor and dedication. Following his military tenure, he pursued education at Woodbury College in Los Angeles, shaping his future endeavors. Don's boundless generosity knew no limits. A staunch supporter of various organizations, including Community Memorial Hospital, the Boys and Girls Club, The Ventura Botanical Gardens, The Rubicon Theater, and the Billy Graham Foundation, he epitomized the spirit of philanthropy and commitment to giving back. His unwavering belief in investing in Ventura echoed his sentiment that it was indeed the "gem of the California coast." Beyond his professional achievements, and his many civic leadership accolades, Don cherished life's simple pleasures. An avid water/snow skier and globetrotter well into his 90s, he found joy in the rhythm of dance alongside his beloved wife Bonnie for over 4 decades. He relished in the company of friends over dining experiences and embraced the pleasure and serenity of coastal living. Don leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and community. Alongside his devoted wife Bonnie, he is survived by his sons Gary and Jeff, their wives Karen and Marcia, his daughter (Bonnie's daughter) Victoria, his grandchildren Daniel, Priscilla, Chelsea, Jeffrey, and Sean, and his seven great-grandchildren, with one more blessing on the horizon. In the beautiful tapestry of Don L. Carlton's life, his kindness, dedication, zest for life, and the exemplary love and care of his sweetheart Bonnie, will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. Though he may have bid farewell to this earthly realm, his spirit will continue to inspire for generations to come. A memorial service will be held in honor of Don L. Carlton on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Ventura Jubilee Fellowship Church, located at 1656 Palma Drive, Ventura, CA 93003.