John W. Carter

John Wesley Carter, 85, of Goshen, died Saturday, September 4, 2010, at Goshen General Hospital.  He had been in failing health for several months. He was born April 4, 1925, in Russiaville, Indiana, to the late Oakley and Delta (Smith) Carter.  He married Phyllis Noland on August 8, 1948, in Kokomo.  They recently celebrated their 62nd anniversary.  John had been a farmer, school custodian, building contractor, volunteer at the Quiet Place, Camp Alexander Mack, and retired as bailiff from the Goshen City Police Department.  A member of the Middlebury Church of the Brethren, he served with his pastor wife, churches in the Brethren Districts of South Central Indiana, Northern Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida and Puerto Rico.  John served the church in many capacities: song leader, youth teacher, church boards and committees, often as chair, and as an active deacon. Surviving are his wife, Rev. Phyllis J. Carter of Goshen; two sons, Jeff A. Carter of Goshen and Rev. Jay W. (Angie) Carter of Decatur; three grandchildren, Sarah (George) Duke of Tucson, Arizona, Keith (Stacey) Carter of Land of Lakes, Florida, and Jed (Angel) Carter of Portland, Indiana; two great-granddaughters, Rose and Eva Carter of Portland, Indiana; a sister, Mary Francis (Lewis) Taylor of Russiaville; a brother, Dale (Tish) Carter of Bennetts Switch, Indiana, a sister-in-law, Carolyn Carter of Kokomo; a brother-in-law, Wilfred Fox of Frankfort, Indiana, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Merle and Paul Carter; and two sisters, Esther Carter and Gladys Carter Fox. John was a kind and humble Christian in life and deed.  He loved and cared for his family and enjoyed his friends.  He delighted in laughter and was known for his quick wit.  In every opportunity he was an offerer of encouragement. Friends may call 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, September 7 and one hour prior to the 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 8, 2010, funeral service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  Rev. Dan Petry of the Middlebury Church of the Brethren will officiate. Burial will follow in West Goshen Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be made to the Middlebury Church of the Brethren Building Fund or Quiet Place Retreat Center, Camp Alexander Mack.