Wayne Carter

Wayne Carter, 85, of Kingsford, MI, died Nov. 4th, 2020, with his wife, the love of his life for 66 years, and his children at his side. He passed away at home after a long hard battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was born March 15, 1935, in Escanaba, the son of Charles Lee and Eunice (Decent) Carter. He joined the Navy during the Korean conflict and married Marlene Mc Closkey on July 24, 1954, in Escanaba, MI. He worked for Michigan Bell for 35 years as the chief switchman, retiring Jan. 1, 1990. A resident of Kingsford since 1960, he served on the Kingsford City Council for 25 years, serving as mayor six times. He joined the Knights of Columbus in 1972 and was a Grand Knight, Financial Sect, State Special Projects Director, Diocese Program Director and District Deputy. He was awarded Family of the Year for the state of Michigan Knights of Columbus in 2008-2009. He was also a volunteer at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center since 1984 and was a member of American Martyrs Church in Kingsford where he sang in the choir most of his life. Wayne loved the outdoors, camping, hunting, and spending time with his family at the camp in Foster City. He and Marlene were avid travelers and he was very proud to have traveled throughout Europe and of the many trips they took to Hawaii. Wayne was a loving and caring person always willing to help someone in need. He is survived by his wife, Marlene; 5 children, Connie (Joe Harper) of Kingsford, MI, Dan (Julie) Carter of Traverse City, MI, Cindy (Dan) Throm of Florence, WI, Cathy (Terry) Mitchell of Kingsford, MI, and Bryan (Jill Bruno) Carter of Kingsford, MI; 16 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and 3 brothers, Robert “Buddy” (Mary) Carter of Escanaba, MI, Gary (Viola) Carter of Milwaukee, WI, and Gerald (Laura) Carter of Escanaba, MI. In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his son, Charles Carter; grandson, Wayne Carter; granddaughter, Katie Carter; and great granddaughter, Danaka Aronson. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 9, at American Martyrs Catholic Church of Kingsford. Fr. Joseph Gouin will offer the Mass of Christian Burial and burial will be in Quinnesec Cemetery. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 will conduct military graveside honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Martyrs Catholic Church of Kingsford. Condolences to the family of Wayne Carter may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Wayne Carter

March 15, 1935 - November 4, 2020