Charlton, Thomas H.

Thomas H. Charlton, 71, of Wellman, died suddenly Wednesday, June 2, 2010, in Iowa City.

Dr. Charlton was born Aug. 17, 1938, in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, the son of Thomas H. (Harry) Charlton and Winnie (Taylor) Charlton. He received a B.A. in anthropology in 1960 from the University of Toronto and a Ph.D. in anthropology from Tulane University in 1966. He taught at the University of Toronto and Grinnell College before joining the University of Iowa's Department of Anthropology in 1967 where he continued teaching until his death.

Dr. Charlton's primary research focused on the archaeology of Mesoamerica and Mexico, in particular. He also had been involved in historical archaeology in Iowa and continued excavations at the Plum Grove Historic Site in Iowa City from 1974 until his death.

He loved Lake Ontario, mountains, Mexico, books, stamps, and his Triumph sports cars and had a soft spot for small animals.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Cynthia Otis Charlton, who he married in Iowa City in 1976. He is also survived by a son, Thomas H. Charlton IV, of Calgary, AB and his fiancee, Karen Eldridge, of Iowa City; two brothers, Eric C. Charlton and special friend Carol Burton of Calgary, AB, and William J. (Carol) Charlton of Bracebridge, Ontario; mother-in-law, Lucille Otis of Cedar Rapids; brother- and sister-in-law, Brian and Diane Otis of Fairfax; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Charlton Fund for Archaeological Research c/o USBank, PO Box 1880, 204 E Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240.

Powell Funeral Home in Wellman is in charge of arrangements.

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