Carson Whitt

Carson Whitt

June 11,1935 - September 15,2026

West Portsmouth Resident

F. C. Daehler Mortuary

Carson Whitt, 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 9:40am. He was born on June 11, 1935, in Wonnie, Magoffin County, Kentucky, to the late Earl Thomas Whitt and Emma (Adams) Whitt. He leaves behind a huge void in the hearts of those who knew and dearly loved him.

Carson was a United States Navy veteran leaving from Norfolk, Virginia and seeing other countries during his enlistment. Following his brief military service, he devoted many years to his long career as a member of Local 18 Operating Engineers. He began as a laborer and worked his way to becoming an Operating Engineer of heavy equipment, most notably running a huge asphalt roller and labeled as one of 'the best' in his field. He retired from The Shelly Company and proudly wore his '50 years' Operating Engineers hat showing his 50+ years of service.

Carson's beginnings in life weren't without rough times. When he was just one year old, his father, Earl, passed away from a gunshot wound. His mother, Emma, unable to support such a large family on her own during the Great Depression, made the difficult decision to place her children in an orphanage. From the age of four- the earliest he could be accepted, Carson lived at the Masonic Widows and Orphans Home in St. Matthews, Kentucky. He often told of his years in "the Home" and several of his adventures have been shared in written form over the years. These stories continue his life and legacy.

He also was known as an avid turtle noodler, catching snapping turtles with his bare hands in underwater holes, mudbanks and creeks. Never afraid of doing so- even after one severely bit his thumb, a scar he carried for many years until time caused it to finally fade, but not until his late 80's.

In his younger years, he played bluegrass, country, and gospel in several music bands mainly in Portsmouth, Ohio bars and lounges. Most noted for his Martin D 35 guitar which he eventually entrusted to musician Josiah Whitley who cherishes and takes care of "Martin", and preforms with the ole guitar to this day.

Carson was a 'Bruce Willis die-hard'. While in the orphanage, 'the home' as he called it, he fell into a coma due to Spinal Meningitis. Deadly now, but more so then, 'the home' eventually transferred him out of their infirmary to another hospital. They told his siblings he would not be coming back. He was expected to die. Months later, he awakened from his coma. As his eyes opened, he said, "They sure give a lot of baths in this place!" To which the nurse ran from the room screaming, "He's awake, he's awake!" It was no different from then on. He weathered more close calls with death. Even in his 80's- surviving stage 3 esophageal cancer; surviving a ruptured appendix which turned him septic and caused internal bleeding and his lungs to fill with fluid; aspiring pneumonia; and many other medical problems that each time doctors and medical staff thought would be his last, he rebounded gloriously from. He was a gentle, yet tough man. Never complaining, denying pain, and always with a smile on his elderly face.

Carson will be remembered most of all for the stories he told of his life, the life he built with his family, and the love he shared with those closest to him. He was a very sweet, kind, and most honorable man. His legacy will live on through those stories, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many lives he touched throughout his 91 years.

He is survived by his two sons, Earl Thomas (Tammy) Whitt of Old Town, Florida, and James Mitchell Whitt of Portsmouth, Ohio. He leaves behind six grandchildren: James "Jimmie" (Heather) Whitt, Shawn (Carla) Whitt, Keith Whitt, Floyd Ward IV, Thomas "Jacob" Shepherd, and Cheyenne Jarrell; seven great-grandchildren: Jamison Tackett, Ashton Price, Nevaeh Jarrell, Skylar Jarrell, Mason Jarrell, Riley Whitt, and Kaydance Whitt.

Carson was preceded in death by his wife, Clara "Coonie" Frances Whitt; his two daughters, Jacqueline "Jackie" Whitt and Valerie Whitt; his six brothers: Israel Jesse "I.J." Whitt, Floyd Thomas "Shorty" Whitt, Jack Arnett Whitt, Talmadge "T" Whitt, Wildean "Dean" Whitt, and Archie Whitt; and his three sisters: Fern Magnolia Whitt Diersen, Ruie Mae Whitt Drake, and his baby sister born still.

Though Carson is no longer with his family in person, the memories he created and the family he leaves behind will carry his legacy forward. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who loved him. Rest in peace, our sweet Carson. Your life, your love, and your memory will live on through your family for generations to come.

As per Carson's wishes, he will be cremated and he will be joined with his beloved Sweetie (Black Mouth Cur- dog). He wanted his family and friends to remember him as alive, living, and with a smile, not to look upon the shell of his body he left behind. His wishes will be honored.

Please visit www.fcdaehlermortuary.com to leave a special memory of Carson or condolences for his family.