Ernest L. Carter, 87, of Russell, Kansas died Friday, April 11, 2014 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

Ernest was born April 17, 1926 in Slater, Wyoming the son of  James E. and Grace A. (Shoemaker) Carter.  He grew up and attended school in Max, Nebraska.  He then attended classes at Kansas State University.

Ernest served his country in the U.S. Army with honorable discharge in 1947.  Later he served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Salina, Kansas with honorable discharge in 1956.

Ernest was united in marriage to Twila M. VonFeldt on April 18, 1953 in Salina, Kansas.
After his discharge from the Air Force they made their home in Russell.  This union was blessed with five children; Barry, Jim, Debbie, Tamara and Mark.

Ernest has worked in the oil field for most of his life.  He drove tank trucks and was a roustabout for Farley Machines and Fina Oil.  Later he was the owner and operator of M & M Steam/Oil Treating and General Roustabout services.  He also was very active with the Carter’s big Tent Fireworks.

Ernest was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Russell and the Knights of Columbus.  He also was a life member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 and Russell American Legion Post #99.  He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting spending time with family, watching and feeding the birds and squirrels, selling fireworks and watching K-State sports.

Surviving family include his wife of 60 years, Twila of the home; daughters, Debbie Beck (Don) of Topeka, Kansas and Tamara Carter of Topeka, Kansas; sons, Barry Carter of Russell, Kansas, Jim Carter (Janie) of Russell, Kansas and Mark Carter (DeAnna) of Russell, Kansas; sister, Ethel Gerdes of Clinton, Mississippi; seven grandchildren, Jordan, Joe, Ashley, Audrey (Jon), Julie (Chad), Megan and Quinn; and two great grandchildren, Avery and Adelyn. 

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Melvin Carter, Leonard Carter and infant Leo Carter; and two sisters, Violet Howard and Ruby Stute.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell.  Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell where the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard will conduct military rites.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday, April 14, 2014 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  The Vigil & Rosary will be held at 7 PM, Monday at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  A Memorial has been established with St. Mary’s Catholic Church Building Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.