Ronald William Carter

Ronald William Carter Nov. 1, 1948 to April 10, 2015 Ronald William Carter, 66, ascended to his heavenly home on April 10, 2015. He was born on November 1, 1948 in Russell, Kansas, the son of Merit and Inez Carter. Ron attended school in Kansas, Utah, and Colorado, and graduated high school at Montezuma Cortez High School in 1968. He entered the United States Army's 1st Cavalry Division in August 1968 and served one tour in Viet Nam. During his service in Viet Nam, Ron was awarded the Purple Heart and numerous commendation medals. He served in the United States Army until October 1970. He also enlisted in the United States Air Force and served three years as a photographer and as a military police officer. Upon leaving the military, Ron joined the police force in Mountain Home, Idaho and later in Cortez, Colorado. He also had a career in oil field work. Following his tour in Viet Nam, Ron married Beverly Waldorf in January 1970. From this marriage, Ron had three children, Misty (Marvin) Coy, Robert Carter, and Richard Carter. Ron married Terry (Marrs) Carter on May 7, 2009 in Miami, Oklahoma. Ron loved his country and was proud of his military service and the sacrifices he made during his tour in Viet Nam. He was often called upon to act as Chaplin for Viet Nam Veterans' memorial services and other special programs. Through his poetry and stories of his personal military experiences, he provided great inspiration and support to many fellow veterans, active duty soldiers, and their families. Ron loved fishing patiently at the edge of a lake and having picnics in the mountains. He spent joyful hours creating wood furniture in his shop. Many of those pieces are now family heirlooms and will be cherished by his family and friends for generations. He also found great peace praying quietly to his Heavenly Father. Besides his wife, Terry, he is survived by his mother, Inez Carter; his three children; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his sister, Lana Carter; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ron passed away unexpectedly at his home in Chanute, Kansas following a routine surgical procedure. The funeral service will be held Monday, April 20 at 11 a.m. at the Evangelical Assembly of God Church in Cortez (209 West 5th Street), with Pastor Jeffery D McDonell officiating. Graveside services with full military honors will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the American Legion Honor Guard, Cortez Ute Mountain Post 75 (320 North Harrison Street, Cortez, Colorado 81321). Online condolences can be made at www.ertelfuneralhome.com