Dan C. Carlton, age 74, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on December 25, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was a bright spark in this world, and he will be deeply missed.

Dan was born on August 11, 1947 to Cletus and Eliza ‘Betty’ Carlton in Highland Park, MI. He had lived in the Stockbridge area since 1974, moving from Livonia. He was a Senior Design Engineer and Project Manager for Flow Robotic Systems in Novi, retiring in 2001. Although retired, Dan was not an idle man and continued performing home inspections.

Dan poured his heart and soul into his family, who absolutely adored and admired him. He was a God-fearing man, who had been actively involved at Crossroads Community Church in Stockbridge for many years, but he had recently been attending the Rives Baptist Church in Rives Junction.

Dan was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed bear, turkey, and deer hunting, as well as fishing and camping. He also loved to garden, and he was an excellent cook. Dan earned his 5th Degree Black Belt in Sanchin Ryu Okinawan Karate and was a Master Sensei. He was able to share his passion of Sanchin Ryu through teaching all ages and fitness levels the non-competitive style based karate of physical and mental self-control.

On February 4, 1995, he married his lovely wife, Kay Ann (Kehrberg) in Pleasant Lake, Michigan, and she survives. Also surviving are his children: James (Destiny) Carlton of Montana, Susan (Doug) Demers of Williamston, and Tammy (Steve) Tokar of Grand Ledge; Angela Lash of Quincy, and Matt (Melissa) Clark of Adrian; 12 grandchildren; extended family, Jake Dekarske of Stockbridge; sister, Janice Watkins of Lansing; sister-in-law, Mary Jo (Mitch) Elston of Hudson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cletus and Betty Carlton, as well as a brother-in-law, Dennis Watkins.

Anyone who knew Dan was touched by his kindness, humor, and mild temperament. He was truly a peacemaker and was always a source of positivity.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Rives Baptist Church, 2800 W. Berry Road, Rives Junction, with Pastor Dyke Cyphers officiating.

The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 from 6-8 p.m., as well as Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Contributions in memory of Dan may be made to Rives Baptist Church and/or Sanchin-Ryu.