Ernest Eugene Carter Sr., 72, was the son of Lawrence and Lula Carter. He was born on February 23, 1938. As a child growing up, he attended Study and Central High School where he was the first graduating class of 1957.
He met his bride to be at CBI. His bride was from wonderful Wyoming. Ernest proposed to Clarabelle Mills, and they were married on August 15, 1958, in Halett, WY. To this union, five wonderful children were born; Delores Phelps, Connie Ducker, Ernest Eugene Carter Jr., Melissa Stanley and Glenn Carter.
Ernest never met a stranger. A lover of music, he played the trumpet in school, Republic Band, Shriner Band, church and for his own enjoyment. He also sang in several quartets along the way.
He also served as a deacon, a Sunday School Superintendent and was always ready to sing for his Lord. He served his country in the Navy and worked for the City of Springfield for 34 years. He retired and returned to drive the special needs bus for Greene County Park Board for five more years.
After becoming ill, he spent many hours playing with model trains and making model airplanes. He taught his grand and great-grandchildren to play the trumpet and practiced for many hours.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, a brother, a sister-in-law and a brother-in-law.
Now, Ernest is passing the torch of his Godly faith to his loving wife, Clarabelle, of the home; his children, Delores Phelps, Connie and Steve Ducker, Eugene and Heather Carter, Melissa Stanley, Glenn and Melanie Carter; sixteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; a sister, Virginia Wilson; many nieces; nephews; cousins; as well as a host of friends.
Let us join in the rejoicing with Ernie as he is handed a new trumpet and a crown of life.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2011 in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens.
Family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 P.M. on Friday, February 18, 2011 also in the funeral home.