Harold William Carter was born March 22, 1918 in Dearing, Kansas, the first-born child of Orvil Carter and Mabel Riggs when his father was 24 and his mother was 20. They moved to Coffeyville, Kansas soon after his birth. His brother, Charles (Charlie) Myrl, was a year younger and died in the service during World War II. His sister, Maxine Frances, was six years younger and lived most of her life in Arizona.

Orvil, Maxine, Mabel, Charles (Charlie) and Harold Carter

Harold's early passions ranged from woodworking (including building a canoe from scratch when he was still in high school) to nature (studying plants, animals, fossils and geology) to scouting (he was for many years the Scout Master for Troop #5 in Coffeyville).

Harold with Dixie and snowman

Harold with Dixie and as Scoutmaster.

Harold met Mary Louise Wennihan, from Havana, Kansas, at church services at the First Christian Church in Coffeyville while she was attending Coffeyville Jr. College. They married on December 27, 1941 in Coffeyville.

Harold Carter and Mary Louise Wennihan wedding

Harold and Mary Carter, wedding photo

Harold served in the U.S. Army during World War II with the Military Police and as an anti-aircraft director. He was stationed overseas for three years in North Africa and Italy before being honorably discharged in 1945.

Harold lived the rest of his life in Coffeyville, working until his retirement in the auto parts store his father started in the 1920’s. Harold and Mary have three children, Linda, Joan and Larry.

Harold and Mary with Linda, Joan and Larry, 1952 and 1992

Harold and Mary with grandchildren, 1992
Denae, Deon, Danielle, and Asha

Harold and Mary were for many years in charge of the toddlers class in Sunday School at the First Christian Church. Later interests included gardening, volunteering to deliver Meals on Wheels, and rebuilding antique pump organs and phonographs.

Harold, with Mary and grandaughter Asha and with son Larry, 1994

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1) Carter Genealogy Index
2) Harold William Carter
3) Harold's Parents
4) Harold's Grandparents
5) Harold's Great-grandparents
6) Harold's GreatX2-grandparents
7) Harold's GreatX3-grandparents
8) Harold's GreatX4-grandparents
9) Harold's GreatX5-grandparents
10) Carter Surname Heritage