Carlton Monroe Winkles passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, with his loving wife of 69 years at his bedside.  Memorial services will be from 1:00 ~ 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Oldham Lane Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas.

Carlton was born October 21, 1937, to Charlie "Monroe" Winkles and Maggie Mae Archer Winkles in Abilene, Texas.  He attended North Park Elementary, North Junior and Abilene High School where he graduated in 1956.  His high school athletic accomplishments included basketball Team Captain and basketball MVP, lettered three years in basketball and baseball; he also played the position of center field in baseball during which his team was State Baseball Champion Runner-up in 1955 and State Champions in 1956.

After high school, he played five years of semi-pro baseball with Abilene As.  He helped start a basketball team known as Athletic Supply, doing fundraisers which once played against the Harlem Magicians with Marques Haynes to raise funds for AHS Letterman's Association.  Harlem Magicians asked them to do their Tour of Texas and play as their opponents.  Carlton also coached pony league and later coached Little League.  He loved hunting, fishing and camping.

Carlton met his future wife in the fourth grade at North Park Elementary in Abilene - fell in love in the sixth grade and married in 1956.  Together they had four children.

Carlton worked for Athletic Supply for 33 years calling on coaching staff in schools of the surrounding areas of the Big Country.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Dub Winkles, Dale Winkles and David Winkles; and a sister, Mona Rae Winkles Fleming.

Carlton is survived by his wife Katherine "Loudel" Fitzgerald Winkles of Clyde; three daughters. Sherry Winkles McColum and husband Anthony of Abilene, Shana Winkles Williams and husband Daryl of Clyde and Sharla Winkles Raughton and husband Greg of Abilene; one son, Scott Winkles and wife Nessa of Santa Anna; 12 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be sent to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1651 Pine St, Abilene, TX 79601.