Justin Matthew Carlton of Laramie, Wyoming, passed away at his home on 12 June 2025 at the age of 38.
Justin was born in Melbourne, Florida, and grew up as an Air Force brat living in Germany, the Azores, and Italy along with several states in the USA. Growing up he developed a love of foreign cultures and languages and attended the University of Colorado-Boulder where he graduated with Bachelor of Arts in Russian and Chinese studies in May 2009. During college, he studied in St Petersburg, Russia, and Shanghai, China. He was fluent in Chinese, Russian, German, and Italian.
After graduation he moved to Dayton, Ohio and worked at the Air Force National Air and Space Intelligence Center as an Intelligence Analyst. Justin always thought of Wyoming as his home and found his forever home in Laramie in 2019. He fell in love with the Laramie community and lifestyle. He enjoyed being outside in nature, so it was a perfect fit when he joined Tough Guys Landscaping in Laramie where he quickly became a beloved member of their family.
Justin was thoughtful, funny, and had a love for learning new things. His curiosity about languages and cultures was voracious. His energy brightened any space he was in, and his smile was magical. His quick wit could make you forget all your troubles. He had a big heart, and his friends knew that if they needed help, he would be there for them. He loved his family and friends and shared our joys and sorrows. He will be missed, but we all know that our lives were touched and enriched by a very special man. Auf Wiedersehen, bis später!
Justin is survived by his cats, Henry, Philip and Ivan, who he loved with every fiber of his being, his parents Mark and Claudia Carlton of San Marcos, Texas, sister Renee West, brother-in-law Harley West, and niece Alexandria Justine Marie West of Redmond Oregon, and his aunt LuAnn McNamara and Uncle Doug Herrington, of San Marcos, Texas.
His family in Germany, Tante Gabi and Onkel Kurt Sickinger, cousins Monika and Susanne Sickinger, Onkel Gerhard Hoffmann, Ralph, Nadja, Armin and Manuel Hoffmann, Daniel and Silke Hoffmann, Celina Kaçka and Alicia Zink.
And last, but not least, his friends and support system in Laramie and throughout the world. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Laramie Animal Welfare Society in Justin’s memory.
May his Soul finally be at peace.
I knew Justin from NASIC, and will never forget his smile, kindness and intelligence. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Just missing you today. ❤️
I' was so sorry about his passing. I wished I knew him better as he sounded like he was a wonderful compassionate person. Sharon C 1991
That's a beautiful tribute to Justin. I met him through mutual friends when he lived in Dayton. Some fun memories of mine were attending Halloween parties, both downtown and at his and Dale's home, as well as a ballet in Cincinnati. Deepest condolences to all whose lives Justin touched.
I‘m so glad we met last December. We laughed a lot and remembered the old days when we were younger. You told me that you would come to visit us and then we would visit Italy together. Unfortunately this will not happen. I‘m still at a loss for words and I‘m so sorry. Who would have thought it was the last time I hugged my cousin… Rest in peace! Moni with Alicia and Nicolo
I miss you, Buttface. I dont know what more I can say that I havent already said. I know that you know how much you'll be missed. I love you. Lil Nay
Justin and I met in 2020 during the height of covid, and he quickly became one of the best friends I've ever had. He brought light, laughter, and joy into my life like no one else ever has. I'm going to miss him tremendously. Rest in peace, darling.