John “Carlton” Stepp, aged 91, passed away peacefully at home on May 8, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. A United States Army Veteran, born on March 20, 1935, in the Buchanan community in Pontotoc County, Carlton was the son of L.V. Stepp, Sr and Beulah Tatum. After his mother’s passing, he was lovingly raised by his maternal grandparents and his aunt Eula Tatum Mooneyhan, who adopted him.
Carlton graduated from Hurricane School and later married Elaine Todd. The couple moved to Memphis, TN, where Carlton worked as a truck driver for Air Products and Chemical. He retired after an impressive career, having driven over two million miles without a preventable accident. Upon retirement, he returned to Pontotoc to be closer to his family.
Carlton is survived by his daughter, Belinda Castleman, and her husband James; his granddaughter, Jenna Cheney, and her husband Vince of Ashfork, AZ; three great-grandchildren, Belinda James Cole and her husband Gabe, Arabella Castleman, and Arlis Warren III, all residing in Pontotoc; and one great-great-grandson, Jude Cole. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Jones, and her husband Slim of Hickory Flat, MS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Elaine, an infant son, his brothers J.W. Stepp, L.V. Stepp, Jr., Pick Stepp, and Bill Stepp, and his sister Elsie Smith.
Carlton was laid to rest at Shady Grove Cemetery following a private family service. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
In memory of this wonderful man, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or to a charity of your choice.
