P.O.W. Richard David Carter

P.O.W. Richard David Carter departed this life to enter his heavenly home on November 1, 2014 at the age of 91. He was born in Rodessa, LA to Clarence J. Carter and Florence E. Carter, the eighth of nine children. Richard and family moved to Henderson when he was 9 years old. He graduated from Gaston High School in 1942 then joined the Army Air Force. He was an Aerial Engineer on a B24 bomber in the 453rd Bomb group. He flew missions for months including one over the Ploesti oil fields. He was shot down over Paris on April 25th 1944. He was still in the plane when it exploded. This was his 13th mission. Captured by the Germans, he spent 1 year and 11 days in Stalag Luft 17B, Krems, Austria before he was liberated by General George S. Patton. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Oak Leaf Cluster Air Medal, Good Conduct, and the European Theatre medals. He waited 54 years for the Purple Heart Medal which he received in 1999. A memorial brick is displayed in his honor along the Eighth Air Force Memorial Walking Museum at Barksdale Air Force Base, LA. Richard went to work for the United States Postal Service in Henderson retiring on August 31, 1980 after 39 years of service. He became a Christian at an early age and as he grew older was always very active in his church. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Henderson and served in many positions, always teaching Sunday school for junior boys up to senior adults. In 1965 Richard and Mary joined a group from Greenwood, LA called Builders for Christ. Families went into pioneer areas and donated their labor to build Baptist churches. This soon became the joy of their lives. In 1981 the name was changed to Volunteer Christian Builders and he was elected as Project Coordinator. In 1993 he had 19 crews from different churches donating their labor to help others have a place to worship. He always said “We do not need a lot of money. We depend on the Lord’s direction.” Under God’s leadership he was blessed to lead families from First Baptist Church for 19 years. Richard has led groups in most all the 50 states plus Burkina Faso, West Africa. He loved serving the Master Carpenter. He was a man known for kindness and a giving heart, always ready to help others. He served his community in many ways, was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Election Judge Precinct 4, Trustee for Pineywoods Baptist Camp, Board of Directors for East Texas Government Credit Union, Master Mason for 50 years, and Clinton Lodge #23. He gave of his time and labor to help construct the Hispanic Mission from First Baptist Church. In 2002, Dr. Laci Morgan arranged to have the American Flag to fly over the Capitol in Washington, D.C. in his honor. This flag was then mailed to Mary Carter for her to keep. For the past year and 10 months, Richard was a resident of Watkins-Logan Texas State Veterans Home in Tyler. The care, attention, and love that he received in this Godly place were such a blessing. He was in G House – We called it God’s house. He was there with his band of brothers and so very happy. The final salute given by his brothers and staff as the hearse slowly passed each cottage touched the heart of his family. How blessed we are that God placed him in this lovely place. We could never find the words to thank these special men and women for their service and sacrifice, along with Compass Hospice who gave excellent care to our loved one. Richard is survived by his loving, faithful wife Mary of 52 years; son J.E. Makarski (Sharon); daughter Pat Blevins (Craig); grandchildren Drs. Lori Cavitt and Justin Cavitt, Zeb Makarski, and Dr. Laci Morgan and Rudy Morgan; great grandchildren Barrett Cavitt and Brock Cavitt; adoptive grandchildren, Priya Pai (Princess) and Nikhil Pai (Cowboy); step grandchildren WO2 Brad Blevins stationed in Kuwait (Megan) and Daniel Blevins (Tammy); step great grandchildren Emily, Leah, Joseph, Kali, and Aubrey; many nephews and nieces; and one special niece Sue Coon. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and three sisters, and a special granddaughter Loni Marie Barron. Military graveside services will be held November 4, 2014 at 10:00am with Dr. David Higgs and Brother Johnny Newton officiating. Military honors will be at Rusk County Memorial Gardens under the direction of Crawford A. Crim Funeral Home. There will be no official visitation. Honorary pall bearers will be First Baptist Church Volunteer Christian Builders’ families. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to First Baptist Church Volunteer Christian Builders at 207 W. Main Street, Henderson, TX 75652. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

P.O.W. Richard David Carter

August 22, 1923 - November 1, 2014