Ernest Carter

Ernest ?Mac? Carter, a longtime community leader of Seminole, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2008, at the age of 67.rnrnHe was born August 11, 1941 in Ada, Oklahoma, to parents Ernest Edward ?Buster? and Maude (McPhetridge) Carter.rnrnMac graduated from Coalgate High School in 1959 and in 1963 received a Bachelors Degree from East Central State University in Ada. In 1970 he achieved a Masters Degree from Central State University in Edmond, and his Administrative Certificate from Oklahoma University in 1975.rnrnIn 1965 he married the love of his life, Kathryn Roberts of Holdenville. Together they raised their family centered around Christian faith and the love of God.rnrnIn 1966 he joined the Oklahoma National Guard, rising to the rank of Colonel before his retirement in 1994.rnrnMac & Kathryn moved to Seminole in 1975 where Mac was principal of Roosevelt-Central & Northwood Schools for nineteen years. His love of children and education fostered in him a desire to serve his community and he did so in many ways. He retired from Seminole Schools in 1994 after 32 years in education and began working for Central Oklahoma Community Action. rnrnHe received a special commendation for his quick action in evacuating over 200 students prior to an explosion at Roosevelt-Central School on December 5, 1975. In 2007 he was awarded the Oklahoma Star of Valor from the Adjutant General of the State of Oklahoma recognizing his bravery in the incident. This is the highest award for heroism to a guardsman by the Oklahoma National Guard.rnrnIn October of 2008, Mac was inducted to the Seminole Alumni Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the American Legion, Lions Club and First Baptist Church of Seminole.rnrnCamp Goddard in Sulphur, Oklahoma, was a special place for Mac. He began taking students from Seminole there in 1975, a tradition that is continued even today. He served on the Board of directors of the Goddard Foundation from 2000 until his death.rnrnIn his retirement, Mac loved watching his granddaughters (who called him Bubba) dance and play ball. He enjoyed traveling and ?finding good bargains?. He was very proud of his sons and what they have accomplished and enjoyed spending time with all of his family. He loved to vacation everywhere. He enjoyed Branson and was able to spend the four days preceding his death there with his family where he took his grandchildren shopping and to see a magic show. rnrnHe is survived by his wife, Kathryn, of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Shari of Seminole; grandchildren Abby and Maya of Seminole, son David of Seminole; sister SueAnn Humphries of Ashland, sister Virginia Vietta of Durant; step-mother Jeanivee Carter of Coalgate; brother-in-law Lynn Robertson of Mulberry, Arkansas; brother and sister-in-law Ed and Mary Ann Puckett of Cushing; brother and sister-in-law Gerald & Brenda Roberts of Antlers; numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.rnrnMac was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, Jean Robertson of Mulberry, Arkansas, and brother-in-law, John Vietta of Durant.rnrnServices will be held at the First Baptist Church in Seminole, Saturday, January 3, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Tommy Clark and Rev. Wayne Edgar officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Seminole, Oklahoma.rnrnIn lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the: Seminole Community Foundation / Mac Carter Goddard Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1508, Seminole, Oklahoma, 74818.rnrn Funeral Information: January 2, 2008, 2:00 AM