Don Carter

Donald Leonard Carter, 96, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2019, in Visalia, CA. Don was born to Rae Carter on November 18, 1922, on the east side of Cleveland. He is survived by his three children, Penny (Orrin) Werth, Mark (Deborah) Carter and Harlee (Lana) Carter, his grandchildren Loren, Jordan, Madison, Avery, Samuel, Ian, Mathew, Michael and Dasee, and his 10 great-grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his mother Rae, his brother Gene, his sister Molly, and by the beautiful and beloved Bessie, his wife of 67 years. Don was raised in Cleveland, where he boxed in Golden Gloves as a teenager to the distinct displeasure of his mother. He joined the Army at the start of World War II, where he ultimately became a Master Sergeant, a rank quite befitting of the personality that his children came to know and (mostly) love their entire lives. Don trained at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, where he met and married Bess before both were shipped overseas, Don to North Africa and Bess to the South Pacific. Both were extremely honored and proud to have served their country. Don and Bess raised their family in the Chicago suburbs before moving to Fresno in 1967 and then Visalia in 1972. While he waited until he was in the Army to get his GED, Don valued education and hard work, qualities that his children heartily embraced. Don worked in sales most of his life, including life insurance, jewelry, shoes, and especially automobiles and construction. He pursued many hobbies -- woodworking was his first love -- but he also had a keen interest in history, opera, chess, and his favorite card game, "Hand & Foot". Don hand-crafted the card racks and eagerly taught the game to family, friends, and many residents at Quail Park on Cypress. Don touched many lives with his warmth, engaging stories, and many interests. He will be remembered as a special man and loyal friend. Already, we miss him terribly. Special thanks go to the many caring and attentive doctors and nurses at the VA facilities in Fresno and Tulare and Kaweah Delta Hospice. Don lived quite independently at Quail Park on Cypress, where they took great care of him. We so appreciate the kind staff at Quail as well as the private caregivers who assisted during the last week of his life. You always will be part of our family. A Celebration of Life in honor of Don Carter will be held on Saturday, February 16th at 1:00 pm at the Visalia Country Club, 625 Ranch Street, Visalia, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Kaweah Delta Hospice.

Don Carter

November 18, 1922 - January 9, 2019