Carlton William Cox

The love of my life, my soulmate, and my best friend—Carlton William Cox, affectionately known as Carl, Poppy, Achi, Brother, Mentor, Sunshine, and “Butter Farl”—has reached the finish line. He ran his race for God’s glory and has finally heard the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Carl lived his life with true purpose, always doing his best to please our Father in heaven.

Born on August 22, 1966, Carl was atop a horse from day 1. He was raised on ranches around the Texas Panhandle. After graduating from Hedley High School in 1985, he moved to Amarillo. He worked for a TV station and managed a store while attending Amarillo College on a theater scholarship. He had many memorable performances. But more importantly, lasting friendships, including Jimmy V. and Robin and Monty Downs. In 1988 he became a dad. In 1992 at a rodeo in Clarendon, he met his soul mate. In 1993 they moved to Las Vegas and worked in the showrooms for the MGM Hotel. They had two children there. Once again, he made lifelong friends and lasting memories. After moving back to Texas in 1997, they settled in his hometown of Hedley. He met the Lord on an old dirt road and a year later was leading the youth group in Hedley. He got ordained in 2002 and was called to a senior pastor position in McLean. While the position didn’t last long, the brotherhood of the men Christ put in his life there have been a blessing. He led the youth group and many young souls to Christ.  Around this time, he also was a volunteer Chaplain, for eleven years at the Roach Unit in Childress, where he met and mentored many young men, including his future son in law. When he accepted Christ, he was all in, he loved hard. He fought the fight, and when he stumbled, he got back up again. He served the Lord on mission trips to El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. He moved to San Antonio following his daughter and her family. He worked construction, hot shot, and finally as a teacher. He often said people either love me or hate me, but I try to show Jesus to the world.  

Carl entered into God’s eternal glory on July 25, 2026. After a yearlong battle with cancer. 

He leaves behind a beautiful legacy, including his devoted wife of 34 years, Christy; his daughters, Jessie (and husband Mike Silvers) and Jordan (and partner Ren); and his son, Tyler Cox. He was a proud grandfather to his grandsons, Adam Lee “Bowbanski” and Jamon “Monsterhead” Lloyd.

Carl’s love extended to his spiritual children, Ashlea and Anthony Crawford (along with grandchildren Toney and Baylea) and Cody Talamas. He is also survived by his best friend and brother, Robert Jones; his biological mother, Janette Wagner (and husband Jerry); his sister, Julie Ann Edwards (and husband Dale); sisters Lucy Huseman and husband Terry, Linda Crump and Sandra Hatcher; and a large, loving circle of extended family and friends.

Carl was reunited in heaven with his beloved son, Jamon Lee Cox; his parents, LaQueta and Clarence “Pick” Cox, his nephew Joel Wayne Layton and great nephew Dalton Wayne Layton and his brother, Billy Ray Cates.

His time on earth was far too short, and he will be deeply missed every single day.

Viewing will be Thursday, July 30, at Robertson Funeral Directors in Clarendon. 

Celebration of life will be Friday, July 31, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Childress, with burial at Rowe Cemetery in Hedley following the service.

Arrangements are under the care of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.