Lamar Carter

Lamar Carter, 83, of Dardanelle, died Friday, January 18, 2013 at Stella Manor Nursing Home in Russellville. He was born September 17, 1929 in the Omega community west of Dardanelle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Treva Satterfield Carter and Willie Briton "Wid" Carter of Chickalah, brother Charles Lemoyne "Bud" Carter, beloved paternal grandparents Cal and Etta Carter, nephew Steve A. Carter, infant daughter Melissa Jean, and son Jimmy Allen. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Imogene Marie Carter, of the home; five daughters and their husbands: Donna (Don) Didier of Pocola, Oklahoma; Rita (Steve) Tharp of Farmington; Debbie (Bob Hardin) Carter of Little Rock; Angie (James) Hearnsberger of Little Rock; and Ginger (Norman) Chronister of Russellville; grandchildren Allie McKenzie, Robert Hixson, Steven Tharp, Jason Tharp, Chris Tharp, Brett Tharp, Ashley Tharp, Paul Hardin, Hanna Hearnsberger, Will Hearnsberger, Creed Chronister, and Freedom Chronister; a great-grandchild Chaley Hixson; and a host of other family and friends.
Lamar grew up and attended school in Dardanelle, and began his work career in the steel mills in Ohio, before being drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Korean Conflict. Upon discharge from the Army he moved to Wichita in pursuit of work, where he started a landscaping business and married Imogene, the love of his life. Upon a trip to Dardanelle to purchase heifers and look for pasture, he discovered his mother's home place was for sale. He immediately purchased it, fulfilling his dream of returning to his birthplace, where he and Imogene began raising their family.
Lamar was a true entrepreneur, starting Carter's Lawn & Tree Service, Carter Land Co., a business providing straw to Oaklawn Park, a home construction business, and a farm and cattle business. Imogene worked in every venture by his side, including office administration, farming and cattle operations--whatever was needed. They were truly a team.
After retiring from his businesses and realizing he could no longer give the cattle and farm the attention that was needed, with help from the Soil Conservation Service they planted the farm in pine trees and hardwoods. It was sad to see the beautiful pastures converted to a forest, but it was a necessary change and one that was good for the environment and conservation, which Lamar cared so much about.
Lamar was not a member of a church but saw to it that his young daughters attended Gum Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he enjoyed attending the Christmas Eve services, occasionally playing the role of Santa Claus. Faith is a very personal issue to all, but the family simply would like to say that Lamar, on a very lucid day during his disease, accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He fought a long battle with Alzheimer's but gratefully was able to be cared for at home by his wife and family until just a few weeks before his death.
The family will receive friends at the Carter home Saturday, January 26, from 12:00 to 2:00 followed by a memorial service.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Chickalah Rural Fire Department (10474 McCray Ridge Road, Dardanelle, AR 72834), or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, (322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, NY, NY 10001; alzheimersfoundation.org; phone 866-AFA-8484). Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary and guest registry at www.smithfamilycares.com.