Pop was born in Wayland, New York, on his momma’s kitchen table on November 10, 1943, to Raymond and Ruth Alden. He started attending school in New York until his family moved to Tyler, Tx., where he finished his school years before joining the U.S. Navy in 1961.

A fair complected red-head, Carl grew up at his momma’s feet, staying indoors most of the time to protect him from the sun. Under his momma’s toes is where he learned to cook, clean, and run a business. He spent most of his time growing up at his momma’s 5 and dime store where he learned the ins and outs of the business world. Soon after, his momma owned a beauty salon, which is where he learned to cut and style hair early in life. Growing up under his momma’s wing, he was shaped into the wonderful husband, “Pop”, and “Papa” that we all knew and loved. After leaving the Navy, Pop attended barber school in the Chicago area, where he studied under the teachings of the well accomplished Vidal Sassoon, and he enjoyed the hair dressing trade for many years.

Pop led what some would describe as a “colorful” life, with many adventures, battles, and hard times, but he always managed to turn those times into testimonies and keep his faith strong. In 2001, he moved from the DFW area to Brownwood, where he met the love of his life, Renee. They quickly fell in love (thanks to some really good meatloaf), and married on August 9, 2001. Pop stepped in when he was needed the most and became an incredible step-dad, “Pop”, to Renee’s children after the tragic loss of their father. Throughout the years, working on his AA recovery program helped him become nearer to God, and helped him become stronger in his faith. He was a member of May First Baptist Church for many years and assisted on mission trips to Africa where he helped build churches. He then became a member of Haven of Hope Church where he was a well- loved member of the family. He re-dedicated his life to the Lord and was re-baptized on March 11, 2026, and he was so proud to be a child of God. Regardless of any battle he may have been fighting, Pop was always a backbone of the family, a man we could all depend on when we needed him. As many know, he was definitely a character, saying whatever was on his mind, no matter how silly or serious it may have been. He was and is deeply loved by all who met and knew him. We love you, Pop. Ok. Whatever.

Carl is survived by the love of his life, Renee Alden of May, Tx; brother, Dean Alden (Beth) of Meridian, Tx.; sister, Linda Busby (Bob) of Blooming Grove, Tx.; daughter, Lori Alden (Patrick) of DFW, Tx.; son, Jeffrey King (Britt-Ryleigh) of Brownwood, Tx.; son, Joshua Parsons of Brownwood, Tx.; daughter Ginnifer Galvan (J.R.) of Abilene, Tx.; daughter, Sarah Gonzalez of May, Tx.; 14 grandchildren, Robin, Trevor, Jasmine, Aliyssa, Michael, Jonathan, Sean, Jordy, Luke, Aaron, Hannah, Allie, Mya, and Trey; 9 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ruth Alden.

Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net