Carlton Werner Eckert was born on August 30, 1942 at Keidel Memorial Hospital in Fredericksburg to Werner and Myrtle (nee Kuhlmann) Eckert. He was baptized on October 11, 1942 and confirmed on April 3, 1955 at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church.

Carlton spent his childhood on the family farm in the Bear Creek community where he learned to speak German as his first language and then learned English at age 6 when he entered 1st grade at Wrede school where he continued his education until attending high school in Fredericksburg. During high school Carlton played on the tennis team and was a member of the FFA. He spent time working on the farm, hunting and fishing with cousins and friends, and courting his Mason girlfriend. He graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1960.

On June 17, 1961, Carlton married his high school sweetheart, Lois Willmann, and they settled in Fredericksburg. Their love story continued together for 54 years. They raised two daughters teaching them the meaning of unconditional love and respect and then passed on those ideals to their 3 grandchildren. Carlton loved being "Dad" but he might have loved being "Opa" more. Carlton was preceded in death by Lois in September 2015.

In 2016 Carlton reconnected with long-time friend Chrissy Stuewe. What began as supporting each other in loss and grief turned into a deep respect and friendship. Eventually, Carlton and Chrissy knew that this was a pretty good recipe for a great marriage. They were united in marriage on August 26, 2017 and have continued the life lessons of love and respect for their children and grandchildren. They enjoyed 6 years of love, travel, and adventures together.

In 1962, Carlton joined the United States Air Force reserves where he achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, eventually serving as loadmaster on C130s out of Kelly Airforce Base in San Antonio. He enjoyed telling stories of missions to faraway places like Iceland, Guatemala, Okinawa, and Panama. Carlton proudly served until 1973.

With a family steeped in generations of Fredericksburg history and born and raised in Gillespie County, Carlton was active in his community throughout his life. He was a member of the Kiwanis club for many years. He also volunteered at the local food pantry. Carlton was committed to his church and gave generously with his time and talents to both. He was raised in Holy Ghost Lutheran Church and through the years lived his faith in many ways through service, teaching, and learning. He was a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, member of the church council, member of the Lutheran Brotherhood/Men in Mission, member of the building committee, member of the organ committee, and longtime member of the church choir. He also served on the district council of the American Lutheran Church. After his marriage to Chrissy, he joined Bethany Lutheran Church and continued to be an active part of the church community by volunteering and singing in the choir.

Two of Carlton's favorite things were being in nature and enjoying music. He enjoyed hunting, first with his parents and later with his daughters and grandchildren. He was happiest, however, with a rod and reel in his hand. He joined the Fredericksburg Bass Club and enjoyed fishing the lakes of Texas for many years. He believed firmly that a bad day fishing was better than a good day at work. He also loved to play guitar and croon Johnny Horton and Johnney Cash songs mixed with a sprinkling of gospel. He instilled in his daughters a love of music that lives on in his grandchildren.

Carlton worked in the construction business for many years. He began as a truck driver just after high school and worked at various lumberyards in Fredericksburg, Kerrville, and Hamilton. During his life he worked in sales, drafting, contracting, management, and construction. In the early 1970s he learned drafting and continued to design and draw plans throughout his life. Carlton drew plans for many commercial and residential buildings throughout Gillespie, Mason, and Kerr counties.

Underneath the activities, work, and service, Carlton was, at his core, a family man. He was a doting husband, father, and Opa. He knew the value of kindness, listening, and strength and applied those characteristics throughout his whole life. He loved large and was a giving role model for his family. He was also brave enough to allow love to find him a second time and fully embraced the life he shared with Chrissy and her family. He always had time to listen to all those he cared for.

Carlton is survived by his wife Chrissy Hansen Stuewe, children Stacey Eckert of Houston, Teri Eckert-Cox and husband Mark of Denton; step-children Timothy and Stacy Stuewe of North Richland Hills, Steven and Amy Stuewe of Fredericksburg, Mary and Noah Greene of Fredericksburg; sister Joyce Carson and husband David of Pocatello, ID; brother-in-law Larry Willmann and wife Dian of Hilda, as well as 3 grandchildren, 13 step-grandchildren, 3 nieces, and 1 nephew.