He who walks with integrity walks securely as a man, a son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend.

When Carlton walked into a room, the energy shifted. Laughter came easier. Stories got better, core memories were made. His presence was magnetic, and his joy was contagious. A truly special aspect of Carlton was that beneath the laughs was a man of good character, impact, and integrity. He kept his word. He listened. He cared. He earned respect not by demanding it, but by the way he treated people—sometimes crass but always evolving into generosity and sincerity.

Carlton Lee Flakes was born on June 15, 1949 in Ensley (Birmingham) Alabama to parents Vida Butler and Joseph Flakes. While still a young child he moved with his beloved mother to Saginaw, Michigan. Here, the big personality of the man we knew began to form. She made sure Carlton stayed in the church and in them books. He attended Longstreet School where he showed to be intelligent, likeable, and never short on ideas. He was a National Member of the National Fraternity of Student Musicians and Piano Hobbyist. He went on to attend Saginaw High School graduating with the class of 1967. While at Saginaw High, Carlton was active with both the football and wrestling teams. While not playing sports you might've been able to catch him with his friends zooming around in his red Mustang convertible.

Carlton continued his education at Delta Community College and later transferred to the prestigious Michigan State University earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Masters Degree in Education in 1976. While at MSU, he was very involved in Black student affairs, supporting the efforts that formed the Black culture room at Akers Hall. Also, while at MSU, he was initiated into The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, Sigma Chapter on May 16 of 1970. There he served an integral role as an involved member in his chapter. In Sigma Upsilon Chapter he served as Basileus (President), boat ride chair, Fathers Day cookout chair, and as a dedicated and involved member. As a Life Member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated he mentored and guided young men based on the four cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.

As a professional he served in many different roles within the Michigan Department of Corrections including a position as a parole probation supervisor, and a grants coordinator. He also served as a project manager with Wayne County Department of Children and Family Services. He was also a partner in The Detroit Princess Riverboat. In his free time Carlton loved to barbecue, and anyone who tasted his food knows it was never just about the meal. In his hands, food became a language of care, pride, and generosity. He also believed deeply in service, whether he was wrapping Christmas presents for young boys with the Men of Omega, volunteering with 100 Black Men of Lansing, or quietly supporting a friend going through a hard time. He showed up for others not to be noticed, but because it was needed. He had a deep appreciation for history, understanding that knowing where we come from helps us understand who we are. He carried so many stories with him and shared them often.

Carlton was a music aficionado, loving all types and genres of music - jazz being his favorite. He would often quiz people on who the artist performing on the radio was. He amassed a variety of vintage music equipment and had hundreds of albums and all the stories to go with them. He loved classic western films and proclaiming that he was the best racquetball player to ever be. He loved having a good time. He was the life in the party. He hosted party's in his home and on river boats, had cookouts and attended galas, he was Sigma Chapter's Omega Man of the Year, he was skating, he was bowling, he was playing cards, having taco party's, he was living. Though he was an only child, he grew up with cousins that were his brothers and sisters. They grew up together, got in trouble together, leaned on one another, laughed together, and stood with each other through every season.

Carlton was a planner and a dreamer. A dream realized was finding a wife in Glorietta. She was not only his partner in life but the love of his life for 42 years. Together, they built a foundation of trust, respect, and joy that strengthened everything they did. She was his anchor, his confidante, and his greatest support, and he held her in the highest regard. The bond they shared shaped him as a man and as a father.

Above all things, he was a proud girl dad—and that role meant everything to him. His daughters Bertha Ann, Ashley, and Alexis were his heart, his motivation, and his greatest joy. Being their father shaped the man he became. It taught him patience, tenderness, and strength in new ways. First steps to graduations, tears and triumphs, heartbreak to new love - he was there. His favorite girl though called him Papa. His granddaughter Alora was the light in his eye and the star of his show. He wanted all of his girls to feel safe, confident, and deeply loved, and he lived every day making sure they did. He showed them—by example—what respect looks like, what integrity sounds like, and what unconditional love truly means.

Though his earthly journey has ended, the impact of Carlton's life will continue to influence all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is preceded in death by: his parents, and a host of other family and friends. He leaves to carry on his legacy: his loving wife Glorietta Flakes, children Bertha-Ann Chester, Ashley Flakes, Alexis Flakes, granddaughter Alora Rogers, Aunt Velma (95), goddaughter Corri Wofford, and a wealth of other beloved family and friends.

"FRIENDSHIP IS ESSENTIAL TO THE SOUL"

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the:

Sigma Upsilon Charities
In Care of:
The Carlton Flakes Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 12277
Lansing, MI 48901

https://cash.app/$LansingQues?qr=1

Services for Mr. Flakes are as follows: