Edward Carter

Edward Donald "Don" Carter, of Valley Grande, passed away December 17, 2017, at the age of 86. He is preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Faye Lawrence Carter; brothers, John Burton Carter and Henley Carter; and sister, Harold Cosby. He is survived by his daughter, Donna Carter DePew; granddaughter, Carter DePew; grandson, Easton DePew; sister, Hilda Ruth Griffin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was a decorated Korean War veteran, serving in the U.S. Air Force as a Staff Sergeant. During which time he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions as a radio operator in an unarmed, unescorted C-47, during a classified mission in April of 1953. He continued his service to both community and country, working for the U.S. Postal Service for over 20 years as a beloved mail carrier. He was one of the founding members of the Valley Grande Volunteer Fire Department. He served as Chief from 1979 to 2016, during which time he was also lovingly referred to as "Map Man" by surrounding district departments. Additionally, he was a founding member of the Dallas County Volunteer Fire Association, serving selflessly as an officer on the Board of Directors from 1993 to October 2016. A graveside service with military honors will be Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 2 p.m., at Pineview Memory Gardens with Reverend Donald Harris officiating and Selma Funeral Home directing. Pallbearers will be Roman Carter, Landon Carter, Alan Carter, Jesse Harris, Billy Barrett, and Wheeler Chance. Honorary pallbearers will be the Valley Grande Volunteer Fire Department, the Board of Directors of the Dallas County Volunteer Fire Association, and the City of Valley Grande. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Valley Grande Volunteer Fire Department.