William C. Carter

William Clyde Carter, 89, passed away on October 1, 2011 at Valley View Senior Life in Junction City after living many years with Alzheimer's disease. Services will be held at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel, 203 N. Washington Street on Thursday, October 6, with visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. and the service to follow at 1 p.m. Reverend Dr. Joe Belardo will officiate.Burial will follow at Ft. Riley Cemetery with full military honors.

William Clyde Carter was born on March 1, 1922, to George and Stella Reister Carter in Springerton, Illinois. "Clyde", as he was affectionately called by his nine siblings, was the final survivor, preceded in death by his parents and siblings Mary Ellen, Pauline, Maggie, Dorothy, Willard, Curtis, Olla, Dale, and Clifford.

Joining the Army in 1942, Sergeant Carter was a decorated veteran who served his country during World War II and twice during the Vietnam conflict. Awarded the Bronze Star for his act of heroism during the Battle of the Bulge, Sergeant Carter was the type of soldier who put his own life on the line to save and protect "his men". Serving with the 1st Infantry Division during the Vietnam conflict, it is most fitting that they returned to make their home once again at Ft. Riley during his lifetime.

Following World War II, William met his wife, Maria Oberauer, and they were married on May 17, 1952, in Fulda, Germany. Both William and Maria thoroughly enjoyed traveling around the United States and Germany with their three children during his 29 year military career. On November 1, 1971, William retired from the Army to make his home in Junction City. He then spent the next 10 years working for Civil Service at Irwin Army Hospital and enjoying the company of fellow veterans at the American Legion. On July 20, 2002, William lost his beloved wife, Maria, marking an end to their more than 50 years together.

Loved and admired by all who knew him, Mr. Carter is survived by his daughter, Marilyn Reynoldson, and husband, Guy, of Junction City; son, James, and wife Joyce, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and son, William B., and wife, Margaret, of Fairview, Oregon; along with six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
William's kind smile and quiet demeanor will be greatly missed. Thank you, Sergeant Carter, for your service to our country for as we all know, "freedom isn't free".

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions have been designated to the Alzheimer's Association, 4125 SW Gage Center Drive, Suite LL-15, Topeka, KS 66601.