Craig Carton

Craig Carton, 68, of Delhi, Iowa, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinic in Iowa City, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2026, at Clifton-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, (110 N West Street) Earlville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, with an additional visitation one hour prior to Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church (307 Mary Street) Earlville with the Reverend Georges Midiangu officiating. Rite of Committal will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Earlville.

Craig was born on October 27, 1957, in Dubuque to Omer Jr. “Flea” and Laura “Toots” Carton. After graduating from Beckman Catholic High School, Craig spent nearly fifty years working as a pipe insulator at job sites spanning all across Iowa. Beyond his career, he lived a life defined by service, devotion to family, and a deep sense of faith.

Craig had a heart for helping others and dedicated 30 years as a volunteer firefighter, always ready to serve his community. He gave his time and leadership re-establishing Earlville Boy Scout Troop #39, where he served as Scoutmaster. He was a guide and mentor to many young men, twenty-three of which achieved the rank of Eagle under his leadership, including all four of his sons. His influence helped shape many lives and left a lasting impact on the communities that meant the most to him. He was honored in 2008 with the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver award in 2015.

A hardworking and dependable man, Craig gave his full effort to everything he did. He was known for his gift of conversation. He loved to talk, share stories, and connect with others. He also had a love for music and sang in his church choir for many years. His faith was an important part of his life; he read his Bible daily and continually sought to grow and be a better person.

Craig found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially time spent outdoors. He loved fishing, waterskiing, and taking pontoon rides on Lake Delhi, creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Above all, Craig loved his family deeply. He cherished time with his sons and grandchildren and took great pride in them. Even with the many ways that he served the community, he always made it a priority to support his sons in their many extracurriculars and celebrate their successes. He spent the last sixteen months of his life in a triumphant battle against cancer while recovering from a broken back. He got well enough to undergo heart surgery and was looking forward to being back to full health and especially to enjoying time with his beloved grandchildren.

He is survived by his mother, Laura Carton; his sisters, Cathy Carton and Carla Carton; his children, Dylan Slattery, Clint (Kate) Carton, Andrew (Julie) Carton, and Clay Carton; grandchildren Abby, Sam, and Juni; significant other, Doris Summers; and by his former wife and mother of his children, Michelle Deutmeyer. He was preceded in death by his father, Omer Jr. Carton.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be used to establish a memorial at Camp C.S. Klaus, Colesburg, Iowa.