Carleton Eugene McMullin

Carleton Eugene McMullin died unexpectedly early on Friday, July 17, 2015 in Bend, Ore. He and his wife Jane were in Bend vacationing with friends and family. Bend was Carleton's happy place; he loved the cool crisp air and the majestic mountains. Carleton was born on February 17, 1932 in Hutchinson, Kan. He graduated from Hutchinson High School and went to the University of Oklahoma on a track scholarship. There he met and married Beth Becker McMullin in 1952. They were happily married for almost 50 years. After graduating in 1954 and being a newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenant he and Beth moved to Germany for two years where he commanded a classified signal detachment. They returned to the states and the University of Kansas where he earned his Masters in Public Administration in the premier program in the country in city management. He spent 28 years in city management going from McAlester, Okla. to Oak Ridge, Tenn. and finally Little Rock, Ark. He retired from that career to pursue new business endeavors with a young company, Precision Tune Auto Care. He acquired the area rights for the Precision Tune Centers throughout parts of Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi. He served as Chairman of Keystone Enterprises, Inc. and president of several related businesses. He enjoyed the challenge associated with finding good sites in many cities and helping new franchisees learn and grow the business. While he was very business oriented he also cared about the communities where he lived. He was a member of the US Office of Science and Technology Advisory Pane, Chairman of the Urban Technology Systems Advisory Board, and a member of the National Science Foundation Advisory Board, and consultant to the National Science Foundation. He served as a commissioner of the Little Rock Housing Authority, on the Board of Our House, and on the Vestry of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. He was a member of Rotary for over 35 years and a Paul Harris Fellow. In 2003 Carleton reconnected with an old friend from their mutual time on the Housing Authority, Jane Saunders. He and Jane married that December and have been blessed with 12 incredibly happy years. His parents, Cloys Emmett McMullin and Beatrice Ellise Jennings McMullin, his first wife, Beverly Beth Becker McMullin and his stepson, Harry Parkin Saunders, predeceased Carleton. He is survived by his wife, Jane Parkin Saunders McMullin, daughters: Lucinda "Cindy" Williams (Doyle), Charis Ann Brady (John), Step-daughter, Ann Victor (Vicki) Kirchoff, step-son, William Andrew Saunders, grandchildren: Lindsey Erin Brewer (Josh), Blake Anthony Williams (Layna), Lucas Tyler Brady; Step-grandchildren: Harry Kirchoff, Nicholas Kirchoff and Katherine Kirchoff. And finally, great-grands: Victory Elise Brewer, Olivia Noel Brewer, and Blaine Timothy Williams, and Step-great grand Theodore (Teddy) Parkin Kirchoff. Carleton loved traveling; his parents, who as teachers had summers to explore, nurtured this love. On his trips he rode as many trains as he could. This love affair began when he worked summers as a fireman on trains hauling grain through Kansas. His other passion was his yard, his exquisite flowers and natural greenery all highlighted by an incredible garden railroad. His joy was planning the plantings, feeding his birds, and watching life evolve out of doors. And he loved to have friends and groups over to share his gardens and his trains. He was such a kind, gentle, loving soul who cherished his family; and he cared for every pet or visiting animal. He was a wise and tenderhearted man who will be missed beyond words. The memorial service will be at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on Friday, July 24th at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at the church. The family will be at 12821 Ridgehaven Road. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 W. 17th St., Little Rock, Ark. 72206, Our House, 302 E Roosevelt, Little Rock, Ark. 72206 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.