Myrna Lee Carlton, age 86, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Morningside Center, Chillicothe, Missouri.
Myrna was born the daughter of Edgar and Winnie (Lee) Davis on March 11, 1939 in Sumner, Missouri. She was a 1956 graduate of North West Mendon High School. She was united in marriage to Gene Carlton on July 28, 1963 in Chillicothe, Missouri.
Myrna was a member of the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri. She was also a member of the Friends of Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the National Audubon Society. Myrna wrote the Outdoor Activities column in the Chillicothe Constitution Tribune. She loved sharing anything she knew about nature with children and adults, whether it was writing about it or giving programs. Myrna loved being a homemaker and stay-at-home mom, however, she also enjoyed her years as a teacher’s aide. Wildflowers were a passion of Myrna’s, as well as bird watching. She always hunted and fished with her father, she was then able to enjoy the same things with Gene and her children.
Survivors include her two sons, Clark Carlton (Ryley) of Chillicothe, Missouri and James Carlton (Melissa) of Springfield, Missouri; one step-son, Craig Carlton (Kim) of Springdale, Arkansas; one step-daughter, Lisa Carlton of Lowell, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Carly Carlton and Colin Carlton; three step-grandchildren, Lindsey Lowrey, Chelsea Lien and Colton Whetstine; three step-greatgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gene; two sisters, Mercedes Mabery and Mary Lofwall; two infant sisters, Madeline and Fern; and two brothers, Leland Davis and Lyle Davis.
Funeral services will be held at United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Friends may call at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Inurnment will be held at Avalon Cemetery, Avalon, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Swan Lake and/or Grand River Audubon Society and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri, 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.