Willard J. Carter

Mr. Willard J. Carter, age 83 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Thursday, February 28, 2013, at St. Joseph's Bluffs. Willard was born December 4, 1929, in Moro, Ill., the son of Clarence Athan and Alfrieda Josephine Sundermeyer Carter. He was married on September 23, 1956, in Jefferson City, Mo., to Loretta Mae Mohr. Willard was born and raised in the Edwardsville, Ill., area and went to school there. He served in the United States Air Force from May 1952 until May 8, 1956 when he was honorably discharged. He received the National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nation Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He worked for Hunter Brothers Construction and Willard Stockman Construction before starting his own business, Willard Carter Construction Company, with his son, Gary, working with him for many years. He loved his work and planned to never retire. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church; a charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wyman Basinger Post 35; and the Disabled American Veterans, Oliver Buehrle Post 17. He was also a member of the 28th Wing Assn., Rapid City, S.D. Willard loved spending time with his family, friends, and neighbors, helping when he could. He enjoyed traveling with his wife of 56 years until he was unable to do so due to his health. He also enjoyed helping his neighbors and friends, working outdoors and gardening until his health would no longer allow. Survivors include: his wife of 56 years, Loretta Mohr Carter; five children, David Carter and his wife Jan, Gary Carter and his wife Carol, and Cheryl Ousley, all of Jefferson City, Mo., Scott Carter and his wife Yee Lee of Santa Clara, Calif., and Todd Carter of Edgerton, Kan.; seven grandchildren, Cheri Kirsch and her husband Paul of Jefferson City, Mo., Ryan Carter of China, Ben Carter and Daniel Carter of Columbia, Mo., Brooke Carter of Holts Summit, Mo., and Jason and Justin Carter of Santa Clara, Calif.: three step-grandchildren, Amy Green, Michael Green, Andrew Green and his wife Jennifer, all of Jefferson City, Mo.; and two great-grandchildren, Sion and John Kirsch of Jefferson City, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Charles Carter, Lawrence Carter, Raymond Carter, and Harold Carter; and three sisters, Virginia Lawrence, Rose Marie Niemeyer, and Florence Wisnasky. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 3, 2013, and from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m. Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 4, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Reverend Samuel Powell officiating. Graveside services and interment with military honors will be conducted at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church, the Alzheimers Disease and Related Disorders Assn., or the Huntington's Disease Assn. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com