Robert Eugene Carter, 87, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2019. He was born at home on a farm near Truro, Iowa, on May 6, 1932. He was the second of five children born to James Omer and Clara Josephine (Osborn) Carter.
Bob, as he was known by nearly everyone except his mother, began his education in one-room schoolhouses in rural Iowa, before his family moved to Osceola, Iowa during World War II. He graduated from Osceola High School with the class of 1951. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy following his graduation, continuing his service until 1971 at which time he retired as a Chief Yeoman. He served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, including one year with the Navy Support Activity, Saigon. While in the U.S. Navy, Bob earned numerous college credits during his off-duty time, primarily in public administration and accounting. He was proud of his service and everything about Bob was truly “shipshape” throughout his life.
After his retirement from the service, Bob went to work for the city of Imperial Beach, California, as Assistant City Clerk/Treasurer, and remained in that position for nine years. He was then appointed as City/Treasurer/Finance Director for the City of Santee, California, where he remained until 1987 when he became fully retired. During retirement, he returned home to Iowa to be near his two sisters.
In 1991, he became reacquainted with his high school sweetheart, Mary Midgorden Reeder, who lived in Newburgh, Indiana. Following a long letter writing campaign and several months’ courtship, Bob and Mary married in 1992 and established their home in Newburgh, Indiana.
After Mary’s death in 2008, Bob was introduced to Gayle Riepe Burnette by friend and neighbor, Kathy Ewing. Bob and Gayle wed on February 18, 2009. Gayle says of her husband, “To know him is to love him.” She remembers him as kind, gentle, and a friend to everyone. He was a true gentleman who would open car doors and pull out chairs for ladies – a rare trait which was second nature to Bob.
Bob was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, Evansville Branch, the Downtown Evansville Quarterback Club, the Huddleback Club, and former member of various professional societies in California. Bob was recognized for his service on Honor Flight 7 in 2017. He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Evansville.
Bob was a big sports fan who loved all sports, especially basketball, which he played on the Navy team when he was stationed in Las Vegas. Bob enjoyed traveling the world, taking many cruises with Gayle and friends. He was an avid reader and crossword puzzle worker. Bob was known for his spotless automobiles. He rarely missed Little League games, basketball games, or swim meets of his local grandsons, who truly loved Grandpa Bob.