John Thomas Carter

John Thomas Carter, lovingly known as "J.T" by his family, passed away peacefully from this life on September 27, 2021 lovingly surrounded by his family.
John was born October 1, 1922 in Steffenville, Missouri to Eva Powell and Zack Carter. John was raised at his familys farm near Hannibal, Missouri. John was a World War II Navy veteran, serving from 1942-1945. He was stationed on the U.S.S. Louisville and served in the South Pacific. After World War II, John served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1945-1952.
Shortly after World War II, John attended Hannibal La Grange College in Hannibal, Missouri where he met Bettye Murphy. John and Bettye were married on August 14, 1948 in St. Louis, Missouri and celebrated 70 years of marriage. John completed his bachelors in accounting in 1950 from Heald College. Together, they lovingly raised two children Carol and Bryan.
Prior to enlisting in the Navy, John served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Missouri, Oregon, and Washington. After graduating, he worked as an internal auditor for Wagner Electric and Hussmann Refrigeration in St. Louis. John joined the Missouri State Auditors office in 1971 working under Kit Bond. He retired from the Department of Consumer Affairs, Regulation, and Licensing as manager of accounting systems. After retiring, John enjoyed spending his time practicing Bikram yoga, writing poetry and woodworking. John was certified as a Bikram yoga instructor in the late 1990s. He was re-certified in June 2011 as the oldest Bikram yoga instructor in the world. John was a devoted husband, father, and friend.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Eva Powell and Zack Carter, his wife, Bettye Murphy, his sister, Rosie Lee Gross, his brother, Lester Carter, his son-in-law Joseph M. Kane. He is survived by his children, Carol Kane and Bryan Carter; grandchildren, William J. Kane (Christine) and Margaret Kane Novak (Chris); great-grandchildren Boston Kane, Nash Kane, and Porter Kane; nieces Marylyn Steele and Evelyn Scifres; nephews Mark Gross and Jim Gross.
Our family would like to express appreciation to the St. Lukes Hospice team for their compassion and support during Dads final days.
With deep respect and gratitude may we continue to speak his name, John Thomas Carter. We will remember his smile forever.
Graveside services will be held in Steffenville, Missouri. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in Johns name, please consider a gift to St. Lukes Hospital Foundation, Hospice Care at 901 E. 104th St., Kansas City, Missouri 64131.
Poems Written by John Thomas Carter:

Heart Cry

There are no tears in the eyes
When the heart cries
She whispered
I shall always love you
Through joy, tears and pain
Until I die
Oh! Why love so beautiful
That it makes the heart cry?

Untitled

Friends and family
Lean over to me
And whisper things in my ear
Meant only for me to hear
I see their angelic faces
Pouring their love upon my brow
My cup over flows
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