Robert James Carter Sr.

Robert James Carter was born April 20, 1928, in Mansfield, Louisiana in DeSoto Parish to Josh and Pearl Carter. Robert was the fourth of ten children. He met the love of his life, Gladys Latin, during their school days at DeSoto High School, where he would sweep her off her feet. In 1950, Robert became a part of the United States Army. While in the army, Robert would begin a family of his own, marrying Gladys, and welcoming their first-born child, Helen Marie Carter, followed by Robert Jr. a few years later.

During Robert’s time serving his country, he was a part of the Hell on Wheels 24th Infantry Division. He was stationed in Germany and fought for his country in the Korean War. He was awarded several medals, including a bronze service star, as he worked his way up in the ranks to become a Staff Sergeant. Robert would complete his military duties in May 1954 out of Camp Chaffee Arkansas.

After Robert completed his military duties, he and his family would move to Indiana, where they would welcome their third and final child, Wayne Carter. Robert was a hardworking man that always provided for his family. Throughout his life, he worked at Crossroads Lincoln Mercury, McAlister’s, Seastrands, and Toxicant. He would retire from Trilithic in the late 1990s as a maintenance technician.

Robert was a member of Mount Paran Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working in the yard. He was a devoted brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Robert had a great sense of humor and could talk to just about anyone. However, he did have that very stern side, and you could always tell when he was serious. He would start off by calling you in the room with him, then he’d say sit right there and point to where you were to sit, then would could his famous words now this is serious as he would begin to speak; and, oh boy, don’t let us actually need to ask him to do something for us because we would always go to Gladys first and say “can you ask Robert this or that for me” and her response would always be “he won’t bite you, but you but he’s going to tell you what he wants whether you like it or not but once he’s done talking, he’s going to do whatever you asked of him, but you’re going to hear his speech first.” He had a smile that could light up a room and loved to joke around with his family. Most of the time you could find him working in his yard or tinkering around in his garage. Robert was a man of deep love for his family; although he would not tell you he loved you with words, you could surely tell from his actions.

When Robert made that vow to Gladys before God all those years ago, he meant it, and he kept his promise to God and Gladys. The promise to always take care of her and never leave her side. That is just what Robert did when Gladys fell ill with Alzheimer’s. Robert stayed true to that promise and cared for Gladys day and night, never leaving her side and always putting her before himself. As he got older, he enjoyed continuing to work in his lawn when he could. His great-granddaughters would put the biggest smile on his face, and he finally came around to saying, “I love you too.”

Now listen; this is serious. You will be missed dearly and will always be in our memories and forever in our hearts. We love you.

He was preceded in the afterlife by his daughter, Helen Marie Carter, and wife, Gladys. He leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Robert Jr. and Wayne, grandchildren, Kimberly Caban (Carter), Donya Caban, Rudy Caban, Alicia Henderson, Crystal Lewis-Tuttle and Grace Hildebrand, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.