CENTRALIA — Gary A. Carter, 76, of Centralia, passed this world to be with our Heavenly Father on Friday, December 23, with his loving wife and son by his side.
Gary was born October 22, 1946, the son of Alfred and Anna E. (Gebert) Carter in Centralia.
Gary and Janet (Smith) Carter shared 53 years of marriage. From this marriage a son was born, Michael William Gene Carter whom Gary dearly loved and was very proud of.
Gary is also survived by his grandchildren: Travis and Candace, who he is also lovingly proud of, along with two great-granddaughters: Everleigh and Josie. He spent many hours on the phone with Everleigh trying to understand her language growing up. Joise was always all beautiful smiles from him.
Gary was preceded by his parents: Alfred and Anna Carter; and siblings: Barbara and Phillip Forrest, Jim and Judy Carter, and Larry Carter.
Gary was of Christian faith and had been a member of the Zion United Church of Christ in Central City. He had attended Centralia High School and Kaskaskia College. He was a foreman for several years at Valley Steel Products and drove OTR for Valley Steel for roughly four years. His last position was a supervisor for the Army Corps of Engineers at Carlyle Lake. Gary’s favorite place to visit in the cold months was South Padre Island, TX. He loved to go fishing with his close buddy, Bill Lee. Special friends were found there. He had a large heart to help others, whether it be a child, comrades, or anyone in need.
Gary was a true war hero. He served with the United State Marine Corps from April 1967 to November of 1969. He was a Purple Heart Recipient from the Vietnam War. He was a member of the VFW Post 2055, VVA Post 176, and a member DAV. He also had proudly served as Commander and Finance Officer to the American Legion Post 446 for many years. After he served our country, Gary struggled the rest of his life with the artillery rounds he acquired during his service in Vietnam.
Per Gary Carter’s wishes, he will be cremated, and services will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the American Legion Post 446 or the Centralia Humane Society in Coco Bronson’s name and can be accepted at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremations Services at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, Illinois 62801 618-532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Carter family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the funeral home’s Facebook page.