Kevin Carter

On September 1, 1963 at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana,  James and Terri Carter welcomed their first-born son of five that they named Kevin Todd Carter. He was cute, and adorable. His arrival brought so much joy to the entire family. He was loved dearly.

Kevin accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age, at Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He was baptized by Rev. Dr. J.C. Wade Jr. As a child and teenager Kevin attended church regularly. He was active in Sunday School, sang in the Jr. & Z.Y.A. Choir and was one of the drummers for Zion’s Drill Team.  Kevin also attended Vacation Bible School. From time to time Kevin would also attend District, State, and National Conventions with his grandmother Sis. Thelma L. Phillips. With exception to attending Eugene Field School for kindergarten, Kevin was educated through the Gary Public School System. He attended John H. Vohr Elementary School, Norton Middle School, and Lew Wallace High School. While at Lew Wallace High School, Kevin was very active in band and the ROTC program. He loved music, especially when it afforded him the opportunity to display his God given talent on a drum. Kevin was passionate about perfecting his gift and took music lessons at Karnes Music School in Hammond, Indiana. Kevin also enjoyed displaying his talent at the annual Gary Drill Team Competitions that were held inside West Side High School’s Gymnasium. These competitions drew large crowds of people and show cased fierce talents of Gary’s young people at their best. Kevin graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1981. After graduation, Kevin enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country, a grateful nation for 15 years, 3 months during the Desert Storm Era as a Cavalry Scout. Kevin earned numerous medals and achievements while enlisted in the United States Army. They are as follows: NATO Army Achievement Medal ( 4th award), Cold War Recognition Certificate, Army Conduct Medal (5th award), National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, 2 Bronze Service Medals (BSS), Non Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), Kuwait Liberation Cavalry Service Award, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge (WITM 60), Machine Gun Bar, Expert  Marksmanship with 45 caliber Pistol Bar, M16 A-2 Rifle Bar,  Driver and Mechanic Badge with Mechanic Bar. In life Kevin faced some personal challenges, but through it all he persevered, was resilient, and maintained his love of God and family. Kevin received a Honorable Discharge and returned home to Gary, Indiana. One day while at a local laundromat in the city he was introduced to Karen Hudson by her cousin Vanessa Watkins. Love blossomed between the two of them and Kevin and Karen married September 8, 2006. Their union resulted in a blended family of six children.

“Some glad morning when this life is over I’ll fly away “

On February 12, 2019 while hospitalized in Texas, Kevin found harmonious peace with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He answered the Lord’s call and traded his earthly life for his Heavenly home.

Kevin is proceeded in death by his parents James and Terri Carter; maternal grandparents Walter and Thelma Phillips; paternal grandparents Sue (Elder Samuel) Thomas and James (Johnnie Cate) Carter and first cousin Jonathan Harbin.

Kevin is survived by his loving and devoted wife Karen Carter of Aubrey, TX; three sons Jermaine Carter and Randy Alderson of Indianapolis, IN and Karrington Carter of Aubrey, TX; three daughters Jaqueline Carter of Atlanta, GA, LaShawn Guyden of Aubrey, TX and Cortina Alderson of Indianapolis, IN.; nine grandchildren Jahlil, Jamil, KaOntay, Tiyon, Reagon, Ryan, Cameron, Kennedy, and Gianni; four brothers Keith (Antonella) Carter of Italy, Kenneth Carter  of London , England, Kyle (Chesni) Carter and Khristopher (Jessica) Carter of Indianapolis , IN; three nieces Jayla, Kaitlyn, and Juliette of Indianapolis, IN; one uncle and aunt Traci (John) Harbin of Merrillville, IN; mother in law Ella Hudson of Aubrey, TX; sister-in-laws Aisha Hudson of Virginia, Elizabeth Sears of Gary, IN; brother-in-laws Johnnie (Barbara) Hudson and Lewis (Patricia) Hudson of Gary, IN, Steve (Linda) Hudson of Denver, CO and Darrell Hudson of Virginia and a host of relatives, Garfield Street Neighborhood family, and friends.

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