Rev. Edwin Thomas Carter

Rev. Edwin Thomas Carter, son of the late Ernest and Zelphia (Edwards) Carter was born in Mountain Grove on Sep. 12, 1932. He was raised in a loving family which included three brothers and three sisters. He departed this life on June 9, 2026. He was a dedicated loving husband, father, brother and friend. Edwin grew up in a loving home and community on a farm north of Mountain Grove, many fond memories were made playing with siblings, family and neighborhood children. Lifelong relationships were formed during these early years. Edwin graduated from Mountain Grove High School in 1950. After graduation, he worked at General Motors in Kansas City. Edwin was drafted in 1951 and chose to serve in the US Air Force for five years during the Korean War. Upon returning, Edwin owned and operated the “Dairy Kup” for two years in Rogersville. After selling the Dairy Kup, he moved back to Kansas City and worked at the Lake City Ammunition Plant while courting his sweetheart and wife, Cleta June. Edwin married Cleta June (Amos) on March 12, 1961. The couple moved back to Rogersville and Edwin worked at a paint factory in Springfield. After a while, the couple purchased 200 acres of the family farm from his parents. They milked cows for several years then transitioned to beef cattle. Edwin treasured farming with his father Ernest and brother Eual. There were no two brothers closer than Edwin and Eual. The two worked hard and enjoyed all aspects of farming. When time allowed, they enjoyed hunting and fishing together with family and friends on the farm. In 1979, Edwin and June were blessed with a daughter, Rebecca Jane. Edwin was called to ministry while attending his childhood church, Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church, where at the time he served as the congregational song leader. The first time he preached the Sunday service he felt like he had a mouth full of cotton but decided to preach from Exodus 5:2, “And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.” Edwin was ordained at New Hope Baptist Church in Solo. He pastored 13 years at Embree Community Church, east of Manes. As a full-time pastor, he and June decided to sell the farm and build their present home in Mountain Grove. Edwin and June spent their days visiting hospitals, care centers, and private homes to offer prayers of support. Their daughter, Rebecca, sang her first song at church at the age of 4 years old and encouraged her parents to sing with her. After leaving Embree Community Church, Edwin spent two years filling in as pastor for various churches. Edwin pastored at Mountain Valley Freewill Baptist Church for 23 years upon his retirement. He retired from Mountain Valley Church on his 91st birthday. Many wonderful friendships and memories were formed throughout his ministry.
Besides his parents, Edwin was preceded in death by his brothers, Delbert Carter and Eual Carter; sisters, Lorrita Smith and Eloise Austin; sister-in law, Ruby Lee (Amos) Lyman, Mae (Amos) Massey, Oleta (Amos) Clinton and Ruth (Amos) Barnett; and brothers-in law, Farris Austin, Jon Smith, Burl Amos, Dean Amos, Wayne Amos, Bill Hamer and Darrell Lyman.
Edwin is survived by his wife, Cleta June Carter, of Mountain Grove; his daughter, Rebecca Jane Carter ,of Sedalia; his sister, Janice and Gene Easterwood, of Nixa; his sisters-in-law, Greta Carter ,of Lee’s Summit; and Ladenia Carter, of Mountain Grove; many nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends who will miss him. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Gary Moore for his enduring friendship, caring support, love and compassion for Ed and the family.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home with Pastor John Bray and Pastor Mike Strunk officiating. Special songs were “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” “Amazing Grace,” “The Preacher From Moody Hollow” and “I’ll Fly Away.” Music was provided by Teresa Keehner and the Mountain Valley Singers. Dwight Carter, Kevin Austin, Terry Easterwood, Mark Easterwood, Lance Smith and Gary Moore served as pallbearers while Basil Carter, Gary Day, Don Smith, Melvin Frost, Larland Mayfield and Richard Keehner served as honorary pallbearers.
Burial was in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Mountain Grove, under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.