Carl M. Ambrose, Sr., 88, of Lake Charles, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 21, 1937, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to the late Murphy Ambrose and Enola Guidry Ambrose.

He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, Xavier University, and McNeese State University. While at Xavier, he met the love of his life, the late Gloria Pinkney Ambrose. They were united in holy matrimony on November 19, 1960, and together they were blessed with three sons: Carl Jr., William Raymond, and Wilton Eugene, twins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria; his parents, Murphy and Enola Ambrose; his older brother, Billy G. Ambrose; and his grandmother, Emma Guidry.

He is survived by his three sons, Carl Jr., and twins William and Wilton Ambrose (Sylvia); two granddaughters, Le’Che’ Monique Ambrose and Charde Angelic Ambrose; great grandson, Adonis Avery Brown and adopted granddaughter, Diseree Syas; nephews Patrick D. Ambrose (Terry) and Burt Anthony Ambrose; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Carl enjoyed bowling and participated in league play for decades. He also treasured time spent playing cards with his friends in the 7 G’s Social Club for more than 65 years, as well as Monday night dominoes games that became a long-standing tradition. An avid gardener, he and his late wife, Gloria, cultivated extensive gardens together. Throughout his life and marriage, Carl also enjoyed traveling across the United States.

He attended Sacred Heart School through high school, graduated from Xavier University in New Orleans, and completed postgraduate studies at McNeese State University. Carl devoted his career to education, serving first with the Lake Charles City School System and later with the Calcasieu Parish School System as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal, and administrator.

Carl was deeply committed to his church and lived out his faith throughout his life. A lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he attended from elementary school through high school, he served as trustee for nearly 50 years. He also served on the Parish Council, Cemetery Committee, Pastoral Council, Social Justice and Community Development Commission, Church Fair Committee, Bingo Committee, Finance Committee, and Alumni Committee.

He was also a member of the St. Louis Catholic School Hall of Fame.

In addition to his church service, Carl was active in civic organizations. He was a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, a member of North Lake Charles Kiwanis, and served several terms on the Lake Charles Planning and Zoning Commission. He also served on the St. Patrick Foundation Board for 40 years. Carl was appointed to several state boards by Governor Roemer, Carl dedicated much of his life to serving and improving the community in which he was raised and lived.

Over the course of his distinguished life and career, Carl received numerous awards and honors. Yet he remained a humble man who loved his family, friends, church, and community, and who consistently worked for the betterment of all.

In lieu of flowers the family requests you make donations to the community based organizations.

The visitation will be begin at 8:00 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 with a rosary and fraternal rites in Combre Funeral Home Chapel, his funeral will follow at 11:00 A.M. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Entombment will be in Sacred Heart Mausoleum under the direction of Combre Funeral Home.