Carlton “Carlos” Nelson Earhart Jr., 76, of Owensboro passed away Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. The San Benito, Texas native was born December 28, 1949, to the late Carlton Nelson Earhart Sr. and Elvia Munguia Earhart. Carlos received his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Texas A&I and a master’s degree in education from Texas A&M. Carlos was a compassionate friend and staunch advocate for the Hispanic community in Owensboro. He taught English as a second language, served in prison ministry, and helped his community in many ways. Carlos was the president of the American Soybean Association and executive director for the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. He loved music, dancing, and gardening. He was generous, kind, and loved life and people and was devoted to his Catholic faith.
In addition to his parents, Carlton also was preceded in death by three sisters; Emily Earhart, Judy Earhart, and Emma Pauline Neff.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of six years, Ann Schrecker Earhart; daughter, Jen Thompson (Michael) of San Antonio, Texas; son, Christopher “Tank” Earhart; grandchildren, Kolten Luman, Jordan Earhart, Kelsey Clark, and Margaret Montgomery Grable (Miles); siblings, Evelyn Bond, Edith Dobson, Charles Earhart, Darrell Earhart, Virginia Sanders, Yvonne Carol Thurwalker, Irma Joyce Earhart, David Wade Earhart, Linda Earhart, and TJ Earhart; numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass for Carlos Earhart will be 11:00 am Tuesday, June 23 at Saints Joseph and Paul Catholic Church with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Burial with military honors will be in San Benito, Texas.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Catholic Charities of Owensboro, Office of Stewardship, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY 42301.
Condolences and memories for Carlos’ family may be left at www.glenncares.com.