Carlton C. Gilder was born on Oct 12, 1961 in San Antonio, TX, at the Downtown Bapt. Memorial Hosp to the marital union of Aubrey Lee Gilder and Margaret Holmes. He attended grammar school in Woodville, TX.
He later moved to SAT, where he attended Oliver Wendell Holmes High School, and joined the marching band where he learned to play the flute, and sang in the school choir. He attended San Antonio College for two years, and studied fine arts and design, where he enhanced his artist skills. He was quite the artist, and had drawn more portraits of dignitaries that you can imagine.
He joined the U.S.AF, under the guidance of Chief MS, Rachel Shaw, now deceased, who took him under her wings, and personally gave him the assignment to care for the Shah of Iran. You would have thought Carl was the Shah of Iran, for he was the only basic airman assigned to care for the Shah at that time.
He was always happy-go-lucky, always with a smile, and if he had a dime, a dollar, or no money at all. He had a flair for style and fashion, and usually dressed to impress. He loved fine things and fancy cars, and wanted the finer things in life.
He leaves to grieve, his mother, Margaret Brown, SAT, and father, Aurora, Colorado, older brother, Alton Tatum, SAT ,younger brother, Sebastian Gilder, SAT,(Barbara) and one sister, Crystal Brown-Tatum, (Phil) Mansfield, TX, (Uncle Buster) Ernest Lee Holmes, and aunt Margaret, SAT. He had many relatives who he loved and admired, as well as friends, especially his beloved, Patty Fennell, SAT. Patty was his confidante, mentor, and spiritual influence.
He grew up with a strong spiritual influence, early in life, later joining Mt. Zion. He helped Travis Park Methodist Church where he gave free haircuts to the homeless on Saturday’s. He was kind-hearted, giving, and gave when he didn't have it to spare. He learned early that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Giving was a lesson learned and lived by Carl Gilder.
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