Rockford Register Star (IL)
Thursday, December 2, 2004

ROCKTON - J. Paul Carter, 91, of Rockton died peacefully at 5:25 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, 2004, at his winter home in Mesa, Ariz. Born March 24, 1913, the ninth of 12 children born to Harvey Edward Carter and Rosa Leo (Brown) Carter in Greene County (near Carter's Station), Tennessee. He spent his boyhood with his family in the hills of east Tennessee. The Great Depression led his family to relocate to the Rockford area when Paul was 12 years old. He attended school and worked on farms during his youth. In the mid-1930s, he spent two happy and proud years serving the Civilian Conservation Corps, building parks and nature preserves in central Illinois. On Jan. 2, 1937, a date he often referred to as "the luckiest and happiest day of my life," Paul married Dorothy Evelyn Huss near Rockton. Paul and Dorothy's harmonious and loving marriage brought each of them great happiness for nearly 68 years. After several years working factory jobs in Rockford, they bought their first farm in 1947 and Paul spent the rest of his working life in the avocation he loved. On that farm he raised his children and built deep-seated relationships with his friends and neighbors. Because his brothers and sisters helped him in growing up, and because many of his friends and neighbors helped him become a farmer, he loved giving back by helping others. He gave freely of his time and energy to his family, friends and neighbors and helped numerous people get to their next step along their journey through life. He also served his community on many boards and committees. Paul and Dorothy treasured their years together during retirement and the close-knit community they were part of each winter in Mesa, Ariz.

Survivors include wife, Dorothy Carter; his three children, Bernard (Melanie) Carter, Glenn (Jalene) Carter and Linda (Scott) Malinsky, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; his only living sibling, Polly Estes; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral ceremonies will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 3, in McCorkle Funeral Home, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, with the Rev. Cheryl Esbrook, pastor of Rockton United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial in Roscoe Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2. In lieu of flowers, memorials in J. Paul Carter's name may be made to the Alzheimer Association, Rockford Chapter, 4777 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108. He was heartbroken to see the effect of this disease on friends and loved ones.