Mr. Edward J. Carter

****NOTE: Visitation, Funeral Service Times & Location Listed Below*** ***Please See "In Lieu of Flowers" Information Below Obituary**** Edward J. Carter was born on August 22, 1938 in Sweet Water, Alabama to the late Andrew J. Carter Sr. and Carrie Carter Adams. After graduating from Marengo High School, he began working for a medical supply company but shortly thereafter he was drafted into the United States Army. Although Edward was drafted, he made a career out of the situation and served his country for 24 years. He retired from the army in 1985 at the rank of Sergeant Major (SGM). He is a Vietnam Veteran who has received numerous honors which include: The Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, The Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry/National Defense Service Medal and Army Ribbon. After he retired from the army, he immediately found his second career. Edward established a Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (JROTC) program at Benton Harbor High School located in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He worked as an instructor for the JROTC program for 15 years before retiring again. He truly enjoyed teaching and mentoring the students which resulted in many of them enlisting in one of the United States Armed Forces. The students respected SGM Carter and knew him to have a firm hand but a soft heart. Edward was also an active member of First United Baptist Church where he served for many years as the chairman of the trustee board. He took extreme pride and care in ensuring the church was operating and comfortable for the members at all times. In addition, he was passionate about the youth in the church. This could be seen through his commitment to the First United Baptist Church Drill Team that he established. Edward enjoyed fishing, working on home improvement projects, watching television, and spending time with his wife and children playing games. His greatest love was working on cars. He could always be found in the garage working on his car or one that belonged to family or friends. Edward married Ida Ree King in 1964 and they were married 54 years at the time of his death. Edward and his dedicated military wife Ida, moved several times throughout his career before settling in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Edward was preceded in death by his parents Andrew Carter Sr. and Carrie Carter Adams; sisters, Etta Gills and Bonnie Harris. Edward peacefully transitioned on April 26, 2019. He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving wife Ida Ree; four children; Alexandra Carter of Cincinnati, OH, Shalonda (Troy) Lewis of Chesterfield, VA, and Angela Bodley Carter of Ann Arbor, MI; three grandchildren; Jaquar Hodges, Anila Carter and Tyeia Lewis; one sibling; Andrew J. Carter Jr. of Jacksonville, FL. In addition, he leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his First United Baptist Church family. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, please make a tribute donation in the memory of Edward J. Carter to The Parkinson’s Foundation at Parkinson.org Use address below for acknowledgement card to be sent: c/o Alexandra Carter 2527 Spindlehill Drive #1 Cincinnati, OH 45230

Mr. Edward J. Carter

August 22, 1938 - April 26, 2019