Carlton Ross McNamara, 85, passed away peacefully April 29, 2023, at his Spanish Fork home. Ross was born April 22, 1938, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the firstborn son of Joseph Daniel McNamara, Jr. and Marguerite Olsen McNamara. Raised in Iona, Idaho, Ross graduated from Bonneville High School before enlisting in the US Air Force, where he was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. 
From there he met the Southern Belle love of his life, Mary Patricia Knippers, whom he married December 27, 1958, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.
Ross attended BYU, LSU, Boise State, before finally graduating from the University of New York. His career in instrumentation and electronics took him all over the country, including the Alaskan Pipeline, and even internationally, in Indonesia. He retired from Salt Lake Community College as an instructor. Ross moved his gaggle of 7 children often, ranging over the southern and western US in search of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
He loved cars, conspiracy theories, MLMs, and Dr. Pepper. He was patient and gentle, a nice foil to his extroverted wife, and he could fix just about anything. He loved late night talks (or endured them anyway), reading, and great music. Ross played piano, organ, banjo, trumpet, and accordion. He especially loved polkas and rags, the faster the better. His fashion sense was unique: he wore wing tips, socks, and button-down shirts everywhere—even on the beach and mowing the lawn.
Ross is survived by his wife, Pat; children Tessa Hauglid (Brian), Kristie Michalski (Steve), Karon McNamara, Kimberlie Marble (Glenn), Mike McNamara (Kim), Mark McNamara (Shelly), Kjrstin Walters (Steve); 26 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings Harlow McNamara (Judy), Terry McNamara (Kathy), Susie Ransom (Larry Reagle), and honorary sister Rae Kelley. Welcomed beyond the veil of death by his parents, sister Janet, grandson Jacob and great-granddaughter Claire.
A viewing will be held Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 6 to 8 pm at Walker Funeral Home (187 South Main Street) in Spanish Fork, Utah. A short viewing will be held Monday, May 8, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (3477 East River Bottom Road, Spanish Fork) from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with the funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Camp Williams, 17800 South Redwood Road, Bluffdale, Utah at 1:30 p.m.
3 Condolences for Carlton Ross McNamara
Condolences(3)
Daryl Kelleu says
May 3, 2023 at 2:02 amRoss was a special person. He always had some kind of whitty remarks. Always smiling always positive. He and I both loved cars and could talk for ever. I will always remember him. Will miss him.
Rick Olsen says
May 3, 2023 at 10:34 pmRoss was a big part of our family’s life. He worked with my Dad and I in Ebronix and I remember the harrowing days trying to get a machine delivered (which was usually his responsibility) across the United States and pick up a check so we could keep the doors open a while longer. I don’t remember ever hearing him complain. Just a lovely human being. Though I haven’t had much chance to be with him in his later years, his memory will always be cherished. Rick Olsen
Geneva Badeaux Traylor says
May 4, 2023 at 3:39 amWhat a wonderful man and member of The Church. As I looked at the pictures and story of his life the words “A Life Well Lived” kept going through my mind. Sending my love and prayers to Patricia and their family.