Wm. "Bill" Carter (Mansfield)'s Obituary
William Russell “Bill” Carter was born on September 25, 1923 to John Alva Carter and Era Josephine (Brown) Carter in Mansfield, Missouri, and passed away surrounded by loved ones at his home on April 13, 2014.
One of seven children, Bill grew up in the Mansfield area graduating from Mansfield High School in 1941.
As a young man, Bill worked in the fields helping Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder care for and raise the goats on their farm.
In March 1943 Bill was drafted by the United States Military serving as a Private First Class in the 397th Antiaircraft Artillery Air Warfare Battalion. His Battalion served in the European Theatre in England, France, Germany, and Belgium; and then later in ground combat in Rhineland, Central Europe, Normandy, and Northern France until December 1945. During his time of service, Bill received five Bronze Stars and a Good Conduct Medal.
Following the war, Bill returned home to Mansfield. On January 20, 1952, he was married to Gerldean Faye Woolsey and together they raised three sons, Danny, Steven and Rusty.
Family was incredibly important to Bill. He enjoyed spending time with his boys –especially fishing. Over the years, as his children grew up and had their own families, Bill enjoyed taking his grandchildren fishing as well.
Bill was also well known for his gardening and his generosity. Each year, he spent his summers in the garden and many friends and family members enjoyed the fruits (and vegetables) of his labor. Whether it was canned green beans or blackberry jelly, holiday meals for family and friends weren’t complete without both of those on the table – thanks to Bill.
Over the years, Bill enjoyed a career in automotive service including serving as a bookkeeper for the Ford Motor Company, a Parts Manager at Honeycutt Chevrolet as well as working for the Shorty Evans Ford Dealership, Bob Barlow Chevrolet, Morris Carter Chevrolet, Hartley Automotive, Bumper to Bumper Parts and O’Reilly Automotive. In addition to his auto service career, Bill also worked part time as the City of Mansfield’s City Clerk.
Bill was a lifelong member of the Mansfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In fact, his hands helped dig the basement of the existing church building. He also was a member of the American Legion Clarence King Post #128.
During his 90 years, Bill touched many lives and will be missed by so many. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his three brothers, Coy, Joe and Raymond; and two sisters, Ruth and Nadine. He is survived by his wife, Gerldean of Mansfield; children, Danny Carter and his wife Becky (Clark) of Rogers, Arkansas, Steven and his wife Robin (Anderson) of Johns Creek, Georgia, and Russell “Rusty” and his wife Becky (Bice) of Nixa, Missouri; his grandchildren Jennifer, Nicholas, Christopher, Miranda, Hailey and Maeson; and his brother, Henry Carter of Barnett, Missouri.
What’s your fondest memory of Wm.?
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