Thomas Middleton

Thomas "Carl" Middleton, 72, a man who in life lived in service to his family, church and job, passed into the arms of his Lord on Monday, September 12, 2016.

Carl was born August 21, 1944 in Hazelhurst, MS, to his parents, Robert and Hattie Middleton and was one of 10 brothers and sisters. He resided in Baton Rouge and retired from the Exxon Refinery, where he made his career for 36 years.

After his retirement, Carl stayed busy with his family, church and hobbies. He was a deacon at CrossPoint Baptist Church, where he continued to put his skills to use running the church's sound system. He never saw it as work, though, just a small way he could return thanks to his Savior who gave all to him. Carl counted many friends at CrossPoint, who were there for him, praying through his lengthy battle with cancer. The Middleton family knows those prayers were heard then and now.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed both hunting and fishing worldwide, but nowhere more than his homeplace in Hazlehurst. Outdoors for Carl included putting time into his yard, a source of neighborhood pride. Part of his legacy includes the many photographs he took, a hobby he was perhaps most passionate about.

Carl was predeceased by his parents and siblings Eddie Middleton, Louise Rhodes and Robert Middleton. He is survived by his loving wife, Billie Middleton, who would have celebrated 45 years of faithful marriage this November. Daddy is also survived by his daughter Ashley Stephens and son-in-law Jay, and son Brian White and daughter-in-law Julie. Paw-Paw Carl knew the joy of his four granddaughters, Jordan and Cameron White, and Mary Beth and Meghan Stephens. He is also survived by six siblings and their spouses: Dorothy Thornton, Joe Middleton and wife Janice, Dean Middleton and wife Diana, and Sue McIntyre and husband Tommy, Mattie Middleton, and Anna Middleton. Carl was also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, friends and so many other lives he touched throughout the years.

The wake will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at CrossPoint Baptist Church, 14965 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70817. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 15, with a service immediately following at 11, both at CrossPoint Baptist. The burial service will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816. Pallbearers for the service will be Dean Middleton, Brian White, Jay Stephens, Frank Womack, Will Clancy and David Morrison. Honorary pallbearers will be, Zeke Dunaway, Earl Garrison, and Carrol "Doc" Wilson.

Memorial donations in Carl's honor may be sent to the CrossPoint Baptist Church Building Fund, the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and/or the Hospice of Baton Rouge. The family would also like to thank Dr. Brian Bienvenue, nurses Jennifer and Lori, Dr. Louis Minsky and the entire staff of the Hospice of Baton Rouge.

While those of us left behind are saddened by his passing, we knew Carl Middleton to be a man of faith and know that we will one day be reunited with him at the foot of our Lord.

Phillipians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Visitation

Cross Point Baptist Church
14965 Airline Hwy.
Baton Rouge, LA  70817
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
5:00 pm-9:00 pm

Cross Point Baptist Church
14965 Airline Hwy.
Baton Rouge, LA  70817
Thursday, September 15, 2016
9:00 am-11:00 am

Service

Cross Point Baptist Church
14965 Airline Hwy.
Baton Rouge, LA  70817
Thursday, September 15, 2016
11:00 am

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816