Carleton F. Perry, 85, of Sheridan, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2017, while working on the ranch.

Carleton was born on December 1, 1931 in Ware, MA to Frederick Russell and Hester (Flood) Perry. When Carleton was thirteen years old he came west to Montana to be a cowboy. He started high school in Wilsall, Montana. When the rest of the family followed, he rejoined them in Big Horn, WY. Carleton graduated from Big Horn High School, served in the Korean War, and then graudated from Sheridan College and the Universtiy of Wyoming.

Carleton and Jackie Hape were married on November 24, 1955 in Sheridan WY at her parent's ranch home. They moved to Laramie while Carleton finished school, worked for DMV Adrian Weaver and started their family. After graduation in 1958 they went to work for DMV Bob Connell on the JC Ranch near Big Horn WY. In 1963 Carleton and Jackie leased a small acreage on Beaver Creek Road beginning their independent ranching career. Four years later they moved to the Fryberger Ranch on Soldier Creek Road and partnered with Harvey Fryberger for the next 33 years. During this time Carleton and Jackie were able to purchase the Hanson Ranch on Lower Prairie Dog Road. In June of 2000 they moved into their new home designed by Jackie and built by friends and family.

Large family gatherings were Carleton's biggest delight. He loved ranching and working with his horses and cows. Some of Carleton's favorite activities were working, participating in, and attending rodeos. Carleton and Jackie were active in the Jeans and Queens Square Dance Club, and attended numerous local and out-of-town dances, making many friends.

Carleton was elected to the Legislature in 1976 and served through 1982. He was a long time member of Farm Bureau and the Prairie Dog Ditch Board. He served on the Beckton School board and the Sheridan County School Reorganization Board. He also served on the Fulmer Library Board when the existing library was built. Carleton was a faithful attendee with his wife at the First Baptist Church.

Carleton was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Priscilla and Louise, and his brother, Peter. He is survived by his wife, Jackie Perry of Sheridan, WY, his sons, Nolan (Mary Ann) Perry of Sheridan, WY, Dale (Nancy) Perry of Gillette, WY, Paul (Penny) Perry of Sheridan, WY, brother Randall (Deanna) Perry of Clearmont, WY and sister Martha Ann Clarkson of Oklahoma. Also, his grandchildren, Rusty (Zoila), Bill, Ryan, Jessica (Brandon), Matthew, Destinee (Hanalei) and eight great grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at The First Baptist Church with Pastor Chuck Gifford officiating. Interment will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Big Horn. A reception will follow at the Big Horn Womens Club.

Memorials to honor Carleton may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 3179 Big Horn Ave., Sheridan, WY 82801.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Sheridan & Johnson County Obituaries