Rev. Carl C. Fluker

It is with utmost regret and our deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear friend Rev. Carl C. Fluker, age78 of Dallas, Texas. Carl was a longtime staff member of David W. Carter High School. He is also an honorable US Army veteran. Services for Rev. Carl Fluker are posted.

Rev. Carl C. Fluker was born in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late Ralph and Arletha Fluker. As the youngest of his siblings—Robert, Albert, LaFrench, Hazel, and Mabel Rose—Carl experienced a significant change in his life after his mother's passing, when he and his father moved to Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of ten to start anew. He graduated from East Technical High School, where his father's teachings instilled in him the values of cooking, hard work, and Christian principles.

Carl embraced his Christian faith early in life, being baptized in the CME Church in Alabama. After relocating to Cleveland, he became an active member of the choir at Temple Baptist Church. Following his graduation in 1963, he joined his father in the thriving iron and steel industry at U.S. Steel Corp. In the late 1960s, Carl enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the 65th Field Artillery Brigade and completing a brief tour in Vietnam, for which he received the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1971.

Upon returning to Cleveland, Carl pursued ministerial studies at Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, with encouragement from his minister, Dr. Abe Campbell. In the late 1970s, he joined the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), where he held various positions and positively impacted countless students and colleagues. His dedication earned him numerous awards, particularly from South Oak Cliff High School, D.W. Carter High School, DL Hulcy, and TW Brown.

A true sports enthusiast, Carl passionately supported athletics, never missing a game or meet, and was recognized for his invaluable contributions to sports programs, especially at Carter and SOC. He retired from DISD in 2013 but returned in 2016 until his health began to decline in 2019. His love for "his kids" led him to drive school buses for over 30 years, a role he cherished deeply.

In the mid-1980s, Carl expanded his ministry at Lambuth United Methodist Church, collaborating with fellow Bishop College alumni and engaging in youth initiatives that provided summer job opportunities for local youth. It was through one of these programs that he met his future wife, Barbara, after providing lawn care services for her home. They married on July 19, 1986, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Carl was a devoted husband, father to his daughters Kat, Liz, and Amaya, and a proud grandfather to Kourtlan, whom he adored.

As a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Carl actively contributed to various committees, including the pastoral selection and building committees following a fire that destroyed the church. His commitment to helping others extended beyond his family as he sought to uplift those in need, providing support and wisdom to children who lacked guidance.

Carl was known for his exceptional cooking, particularly his famous yams, and his ability to bring people together through storytelling and gospel music. He loved traveling with family, creating cherished memories during road trips across the country and visits to Cleveland, where he hosted lively gatherings.

Carl Fluker’s legacy of kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support for others will be remembered fondly by his wife, Barbara, his daughters, his beloved grandson Kourtlan, and a wide network of family, friends, and colleagues. His generous spirit and love for life will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Please keep the Fluker family lifted in prayer.

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