Gordon LeRoy Carlton, 82, of Spokane, Washington, gently passed away holding hands with his wife on April 9, 2025. Gordon was born the second of six children on October 20, 1942, in Yakima, Washington.

Gordon attended Yakima Central Catholic High School, and after graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force. While stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, he met Val at the Excelsior Club, a Catholic singles social club that hosted weekly dances and outings. Val couldn't resist his beautiful voice and guitar playing, and they began dating in the summer of 1963. They married in October 1964, had three children quickly, and were expecting their fourth when a job transfer moved them to the Tri-Cities. They welcomed two more children into their family before relocating to Salt Lake City in 1972. They returned to Spokane in 1974, just in time for Expo '74, and completed their family in 1982 with nine children.

The Carltons settled into the house on Avalon in the Spokane Valley and became members of Saint Mary's Catholic Church. For over twenty years, Gordon, along with his wife and many other talented musicians and friends, served as the voice of the 9 a.m. Sunday mass. Gordon and Val's time at St. Mary is cherished as the garden where numerous lifelong friendships blossomed.

Gordon worked in financial services for nearly his entire career, retiring from Horizon Credit Union in December 2010 after 38 years of service. He enjoyed getting to know people while helping them finance their dreams and was often greeted by former clients in the community when he was out and about.

Gordon's life was one of service, with his priorities being his family, church, and community, in that order. He had a long-term ministry with the House of Charity and was humbled to receive, alongside Val, the Volunteer of the Year Award for their commitment. Other ministries that Gordon and Val shared included Saint Vincent de Paul, Engaged Encounter, and Our Place.

Gordon enjoyed volunteering, traveling, and spending time with his large family, especially on the Oregon Coast. Val was his favorite travel partner, and after they retired, they visited extended family, state and national parks, and explored 48 states and 20 countries together, savoring cultures, sights, and foods, especially gelato. Gordon was adventurous, even trying parasailing and ziplining, but his favorite activity on vacation was flying his kite on an Oregon beach.

Gordon is remembered as a gentle, calm, and forgiving father who loved his family, a devoted and loving husband, a caring friend, and a holy, kind, humble servant who used his musical talents to spread joy to many.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 60 years, Valerie, and their children: Tony (Melissa) Carlton, Christine Grace, Greg Carlton, Steve (Holli) Carlton, Cara Carlton, Matt Carlton, Marty (Stacey) Carlton, Jeff Carlton, and Sarah (Joel) Bisterfeldt, along with 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, with the 12th on the way. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Pleasants, and brothers, Dennis (Delores) Carlton, Bernard Carlton, and Jim (Kathy) Carlton. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Martha Carlton, stepmother, Mary Carlton, and his sister, Cathy Dahlke.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the team at Cancer Care Northwest for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Dignified Workday, a program founded at St. Ann that offers low-barrier employment opportunities for people experiencing homelessness. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26 at 11 am at St. Ann Catholic Church, 2120 E 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99202. Online memorial page can be found at www.holycrossofspokane.org