Carlton Herbert Heppell

Carl was born at Rice Maternity Hospital in Los Angeles, California to parents Herbert Hillier Heppell and Bertha Lee Joiner.  When he was only seven, his father died, and Carl was raised throughout his early life by his mother and a loving extended family of aunts, uncles, and grandparents.  He fondly recalled time spent with his aunt Grace in the orange groves of Yucaipa and summers with Aunt Mat who gave him money and sent him off for a day to the Santa Monica pier.

Carl often shared happy childhood memories about his childhood jobs of delivering newspapers and of dog washing for a Hollywood veterinary practice, and riding all over Los Angeles on the streetcars for a nickel. He went to high school at the California Junior Boys Republic School in Chino, where he attended class in the morning and worked on the farm in the afternoon.  Carl was elected the school “Mayor” by the other students, and was responsible for speaking to the visiting donors and convincing the principal to establish a smoking area for the students.

After graduating from high school, he relocated to Sacramento to be near his mother and step-father. He found employment as a clerk with US Post Office. At the outbreak of the Korean War, he enlisted in the US Navy and was stationed at Alameda NAS where he acted as base postman and later served a tour to Japan aboard the USS Yorktown.  During his military service, he experienced two life-changing events.  First, he was introduced to the base chaplain who brought Carl to the Catholic faith.  Second, while stationed in Alameda, he noticed a pretty, young WAVE from the Bursar’s office named Lorraine Zakrewski, and after a brief courtship, they were married in April 1952.

Upon completion of military service, Carl resumed employment with the Post Office. He and Lorraine purchased a home in South Sacramento and raised their family of four children: Gail, Marilyn, David and Steven. Carl was a devoted family man and showed that devotion daily. He drove the family on cross-country trips to Chester, Pennsylvania to visit Lorraine’s parents and extended family and also took the family on yearly summer vacations to San Diego to visit his beloved sister-in-law, Terry. He was actively involved in his children’s lives, coaching Little League teams, making endless trips to sports and band practices, as well as attending school and athletic events.

Carl worked at the Royal Oaks Post Office branch and, after 41 years, retired in 1989, after which he continued living a full and active life. He was an avid golfer and played until the age of 90. His fondest memories were golfing with his children and later grandchildren. He also enjoyed bowling with Lorraine and taking long walks. Often he  would end up at a local shop for coffee and donuts and conversation with fellow seniors. He was friendly and outgoing and made it a point to keep in touch with old friends. He was active in the VFW, and was a Life Member of VFW Post 67. Carl also spent time travelled extensively with Lorraine. Their adventures together included multiple ocean cruises, as well as numerous overseas trips to Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Carlton and Lorraine were faithful Catholics and members of St. Rose Parish in South Sacramento where they attended mass weekly.  He was actively involved in various parish organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, achieving Fourth Degree Honorary Lifetime Member status. Carl was tremendously proud of his family and openly embraced new spouses and grandchildren. He was a loving husband and father who put needs of family ahead of his own.  He was a great blessing in the lives of his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We know he is resting in peace with our Lord in Heaven.

Funeral Services will be held for Carlton at St. Mary Funeral Center Chapel. Visitation will be Friday, April 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM, with Rosary at 9:30 AM. A Funeral Mass will follow also at St. Mary Funeral Center Chapel at 10:00 AM, which will conclude with Committal in St. Mary Cemetery. The family invites guests to join for Reception at 12:00 PM in St. Mary Funeral Center Reception Room A.