Raymond Leroy (Ray) Carter, 83, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed away Friday, March 9th, while in the company of family members, at Parkview Medical Center, Pueblo, Pueblo County.

Ray was born in Camden, MO on December 9, 1934, a son of the late Grace Maude (White) and Samuel Richard Carter.

He was the widower of Vera Corenne (Rose) Carter, they were married on September 7, 1955 in Denver, CO.

Ray worked as a Machinist at American Crystal Sugar Factory Rocky Ford, CO. He had also worked for NIBCO, Farmer Tool Supply, Thompson Pipe & Steel, Frost Construction and Muth Farm Equipment.

He was a lifetime member of the Rocky Ford ELKS Lodge #1147.

He is survived by;

Son Raymond, (Frankie) Carter, of Rocky Ford, CO;

Son Grady, (Lenore Lucero) Carter, of Rocky Ford, CO;

Son Paul, (Lisa) Carter of Rocky Ford, CO;

Son Howard Carter, of Rocky Ford, CO;

Step Son Bob Schooley, of Wyoming;

Special Friend Millie Santistevan, of Rocky Ford, CO.

He is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Renee (Shawn) Kujawski, Michelle Minjarez, Kristine Minjarez, Victoria Minjarez, Candie (RJ) Norton, Melonie (Patrick) Lathrum, Tommy (Angela) Carter, Taylor Carter, Chris Griego, Danny Griego, Sean (Rachel) Carter, Brandon Carter & Ashley Priest; 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Corenne in 2001; daughter: Susan Minjarez; 3 sisters, 6 brothers.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 13th at First Christian Church in Rocky Ford, CO with Pastor John Dell officiating. Per his request there will be no viewing as cremation was chosen. Inurnment will be private at a later time in Valley View Cemetery in Rocky Ford, CO.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.