Carl Carter, aged 90, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2023. He was born on February 21, 1933, in Rapid City, South Dakota to William Ernest Carter and Fydie Vena Poulisse. Carl was the sixth child among his siblings: Darrold, Clifton, Merle, Donnie, lla, Beverly, and Gloria. After his parents divorced, his father remarried and had four boys: Milton, Bill, Tom, and Bryan.
Growing up in rural South Dakota, Carl developed a strong work ethic, influenced by his family's farming background. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Air Force and served at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.
In 1954, Carl married Dorothy Mae Fetters, and they had two sons: Gary Dean Carter (born 1955) and Dale Allen Carter (born 1956). Unfortunately, their daughter, Phyllis Kay Carter, was born and passed away in 1963. Tragically, Dorothy passed away on May 15, 2003.
Throughout his life, Carl was devoted to his faith in Jesus Christ and actively served his church, Indianola Heights Evangelical Free Church (New Heights Church), since the early 1960s. He played various roles, such as being a Sunday school teacher for adults and children, organizing Vacation Bible School, driving church vehicles, maintaining the church property, and serving as a Trustee overseeing building projects and general upkeep. Until 2020, Carl also fulfilled the role of the church janitor. He enthusiastically assisted in setting up and cleaning up for special events. He was the welcoming face when people entered the Free Church.
Carl cherished his family and created lasting memories through vacations to National Parks and lakes, where they would engage in activities like boating, water skiing, and enjoying the outdoors. His family vacations became the source of numerous stories and cherished moments.
In his later years, Carl regularly attended family reunions in Piedmont, South Dakota, where he reunited with cousins and distant relatives, reminiscing about their shared upbringing. Additionally, he spent many winters in Arizona and Texas, relishing the company of his family and basking in the warm weather.
Starting his employment with Armstrong Tire and Rubber at the age of 18, Carl worked the 3 to 11 shift for 30 years. Upon retiring at 48, he continued to stay active by assisting others, particularly his family.
Carl was preceded in death by his infant daughter Phyllis, his wife Dorothy, his parents, his brothers Darrold, Clifton, and Donnie, and his sisters lla and Beverly. He also mourned the loss of his great-granddaughter Charlotte.
He is survived by his sons Gary, Sr. (Teresa) and Dale (Karen), as well as his grandchildren Shelly (Steve) Jerrett, Kristy (Chad) Briles, Lisa, Gary, Jr. (Natasha), Kelly (Kelly) Millard. Carl was blessed with 12 great-grandchildren: Jonathan, Christopher, and MacKenzie Jerrett, Beau and Mason Sutton, Taryn Hana, Cate and Cash Briles, Penny Carter, Max, Cora and Louie Millard.
A Celebration of Life for Carl will take place on July 1 at 11:00 am at New Heights Church. The family will receive visitors from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. Carl's cremains will be interred at Sunset Memory Gardens on Fleur Drive, next to his wife Dorothy and daughter Phyllis.
For those wishing to contribute, memorial donations can be made to New Heights Church.
