J.L. Carter

J.L. Carter, 84, of Union, MO, formerly of Sullivan, MO, passed away Thursday, May 20, 2021.

J.L. was born on November 18, 1936 in Mount Vernon, Missouri, to Vermanus Phillip and Bertha Jane (Evatt) Carter. He grew up and graduated from Mount Vernon High School, class of 1954. J. L. received a Bachelor’s Degree from Missouri State University in 1958 and a Master’s Degree from University of Missouri (Mizzou) in 1968. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Goldie Stafford, on August 6, 1958 and they were blessed with two daughters, Cynthia and Sheila. Shortly after celebrating 45 years together, Goldie passed away on September 13, 2003.

J.L. began his teaching career at Wheaton High School, where he taught for just one year. He was a teacher at Sullivan High School from 1958 to 1988. During summer break, he worked for the Bank of Sullivan. J.L. very much enjoyed teaching and had a special place in his heart for his students. After retiring, J.L. was employed at Crawford Electric for 10 plus years. J.L. was also the City of Sullivan Treasurer for a period of time.

Foremost, J.L. was a dedicated Christian. While living in Sullivan, he attended Temple Baptist Church. After relocating to Union, he attended The Ridge Church in Villa Ridge, MO. J.L. loved his family very much and his grandchildren were very special to him. He also had a beloved pet, Snickers. In his free time, J.L. enjoyed traveling and gardening.

J.L. is survived by his two daughters, Cynthia McKee and husband, Bill, of Columbia, IL, and Sheila Carter of Union, MO; two granddaughters, Jessica Gerst and husband, Stephen, of Collinsville, IL, and Mollie Carter of Union, MO; one great-granddaughter, Alice Rose Gerst; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Goldie Carter; his parents, Vermanus and Bertha Carter; one sister, Itascha Rutledge; three brothers: Delbert, Dallas and Roy Carter; and his father and mother-in-law, Vernon and Amy Stafford.

Funeral services were 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan. Interment followed in I.O.O.F. Cemetery – Sullivan.

Visitation was held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.

Memorial contributions in J.L.’s memory may be made to Gideons or the American Cancer Society.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan.