Paul Frederick Carter, 82, of Festus died May 10, 2020, at his home. Mr. Carter served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1958, and he was in the Navy Reserves. He worked as a pipefitter-welder and was a member of Pipefitters Local 562. He was a longtime member of the Festus Church of the Nazarene and was involved in the Bus Ministry there. He took mission trips to Belize, Brazil and Ecuador. He loved music and was a talented singer, performing in concerts and singing for his church, family and friends. He also was a gifted artist and loved to paint. He will be remembered for his smile, friendly personality and sense of humor. Born March 6, 1938, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Oval M. and Jane (Wallace) Carter.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years: Sara L. “Sandy” (Smith) Carter of Festus; two sons: Steven Paul (Karen) Carter of Festus and Richard Dean Carter of New Castle, Ind.; two daughters: Tammy Lynn (Brian Head) Mace of Festus and Starla Suzanne (Brian) Wideman of Festus; a brother: Robert Carter of Villa Ridge; a sister: Barbara Robinson of Gray Summit; 12 grandchildren: Nicole, Frank, Sandy, Emma, Aaron, Brianna, Jessica, Zack, Molly, Logan, Adam and Sam; 13 great-grandchildren; his cat Smokey; and many other family members, friends and neighbors.
He also was preceded in death by his stepmother: Beulah (Petty) Carter; a brother: Roy Carter; two sisters: Helen Jean Ray and Kathy Whitworth; and a grandson: Levi Carter.
Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the funeral services at 3 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Mahn Twin City Chapel, 515 Collins Drive, in Festus, officiated by the reverends Terry Simpkins and Howard Casteel. Burial will be in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home.