Powder River Examiner -

Charles David Carter, age 93, of the Olive/Coalwood Community passed away June 4, 2023 at home.

Charles was born to Otha and Gladys Gregg Carter on November 5, 1929. He was the second of four children. Charles graduated from Broadus High School in 1946 at age 16 by taking classes in Broadus, Miles City, and correspondence courses. Charles met his life partner, Vera Mace, who was his sister Beth's best friend. They were married October 12, 1952 in a double wedding with Vera's brother Dan and his wife Phyllis. Charles and Vera were married for 63 years before Vera's passing in 2015.

Charles ranched with his parents and started his own operation by purchasing land with his brother. After his marriage, he and Vera worked hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder to expand and make a wonderful life. Charles was proud of his livestock. He had a closed herd of Red Angus cattle, chosen for their mild temperament. He raised Targhee sheep and learned how to shear. Charles preferred working his livestock from the back of a horse. He rode many hours breaking horses and teams for feeding with a wagon.

Charles was a self-taught musician, playing the piano, banjo, and accordion. The accordion was his favorite instrument. He received it for his 16th birthday. He played for dances in his younger years and hosted musical jam sessions at home. He enjoyed making music with his children and grandchildren. Family was important to him. Many nieces, nephews and grandchildren spent many summers and holidays at the ranch. Education was also important; Charles and Vera were happy to provide support for their children to attend college. Charles was proud to attend each grandchild's college graduation. Charles and Vera were strong supporters of the Powder River County community, and willing to help neighbors and friends whenever needed. He was a lifelong member of Coalwood Community Church and Broadus Congregational Church.

He was not a man of many words, but his actions spoke volumes. Hard work, honesty, and respect were the words he lived by and instilled in family and friends. Sleeping in was not in his vocabulary, nothing made him happier than waking up early to green grass and a full day of work ahead of him. A good year for Charles was a good horse, an outstanding crop of alfalfa seed, a good calf check, above average lamb crop, and rain before and after the hay crop was in. Born in a sod house, life on his grandparents homestead, and death happened within a four mile radius. He traveled most states, and several countries at the insistence of his wife but was happiest and content to be HOME ON THE RANCH.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Vera, parents, sister Phyllis, brother Allen, daughter in law Chris Budde Carter. Charles is survived by his children: Scott (Cindy), Cindy (Dave) Burris, Ginger (Craig) Bundy, and Lisa (Dan) Lynch, 8 grandchildren,3 step grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren, sister Beth Palke, 4 cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin on Friday, June 9, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Bible Church in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: http://www.stevensonandsons.com.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Broadus Fire Department, Powder River County Historical Museum, and Henry Malley Memorial Library or donor's personal choice.