Carlton Woodrow Waddle, 92, died early Thursday morning, July 28, 2011 in Denton, Texas. Carl was born October 27, 1918 in Greenville, Texas, firstborn son of Hilliard Carlton and Frances Edna (Taylor) Waddle.
Carl grew up during the hard times of the Great Depression in the Greenville suburb communities of Jacobia and Scatterbranch where he attended public schools. He graduated from high school and Wesley Jr. College, both in Greenville, earned his BA from UT/Austin, and his MA from then ETSC in Commerce. On March 7, 1942 he married Mitze Ann Randolph in Austin, and was blessed with almost 56 years of marriage before her death in Feb, 1998.
Carl began his Texas career in public education in the Grand Falls-Royalty schools of Ward Co.; then in Sabine ISD in Gregg Co., moving to Tyler in 1951 as Principal at Chapel Hill until 1962, when he was hired as Superintendent at Emory . Under his administration the ISDs of Emory and Point were consolidated into Rains ISD.
In 1962 he moved to Jefferson integrating the schools there before moving south to Taft in 1966, where he brought the Hispanic schools into the system and raised the bar for education. He retired in 1985 moving to Hewitt to relax and enjoy life. His last move with Mitze was to Denton in 1995 to be closer to family.
Carl is survived by his son David "Gene" Waddle & wife Denise Lene' of Wilton, CT; daughter Judy Lynn & husband Monroe Klein of Sanger; granddaughter Miriam Klein of Sanger; grandson Aaron & wife Katrina Klein of Denton; great-grandsons Hunter and Jacob Klein of Denton; brother Brad Waddle & wife Elsie of Harrison, AR; sister-in-law Alice McCray & husband Dee of Krum; extended family and a host of friends all over Texas.
Wherever he lived, he and his family joined the local Methodist church. He was active on numerous committees, taught Sunday School, and frequently served as song leader. In the early 60's his family was named "Family of the Year" by the Texas Conference of the Methodist Church.
When Carl was not taking care of school or church business, he could be found "out back" in his garden and flowerbeds. A believer in eating and using what he could, he shared the rest with friends and neighbors. His flowers were regulars in his church, and occasionally even at a local florist. He was known for his daylilies, irises and Bells of Ireland, and, of course, his abundant garden. He enjoyed fishing and loved to travel with his wife, participating in numerous adventures through the Elderhostel program.
Carl was an educator all the way. He consistently motivated his teachers to find new ways to reach and teach their students. He embraced questions as the best tool of learning. He believed everything should be considered a learning experience, even death. It was his long-time desire that his body be donated to the Willed Body Program, furthering education and research even after his death.
A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate his life on Friday, August 12 at 11:00 AM at Blue Mound United Methodist Church, 8421 I-35 N. (Exit 473), Denton, TX, 76207. Long-time friend Rev. Tom Connolly will officiate, assisted by Rev. Nancy DeStefano.
Memorials may be made to UT Southwestern Medical School, Willed Body Program, Attn. Randy Farmer, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9009, or to Communities in Schools, The Heart of Texas, 425 Austin Ave., Ste. 1500, Waco, TX 76701, (254)753-6002.