Edward Carter

Edward Francis Carter Jr. was never not working. Eddie was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri to Ed and Lydia Carter on August 24, 1927. He met his future wife when he crashed a volleyball victory party. June Hope Johnson stated no wedding would occur until a college degree was earned. After serving during WW II and getting help from the GI bill he graduated from the University of St. Louis on June 8, 1950 and married his friend, confidant and soulmate June 10, 1950. The two began their married life in St. Louis not knowing how grand their 67-year partnership would be. Dad would say he only had one job during his career, Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. He started at the bottom and quickly moved through the ranks. Store manager, district manager, division manager, head of Firestone Canada finally retiring as Executive Vice President of North American sales. The rise to the top included adding 5 children at home (Susan, Ed, Janet, Kit and Tom), 17 moves to several different states (& Canada), and becoming the youngest executive/ board member of any rubber company at age 38!! Upon retiring Dad did not slow down. He owned Active Tire Stores from 1978-1982, then began TC Rental with his son Tom, amassing over one hundred rental units. Dad and Mom's Catholic upbringing was ingrained in the way they lived. Both were positive examples to all of us in the way they volunteered and served our community. Dad was Chairman of Future Farmers of America, past President of Portage Country Club, past President St. Hilary's Parish Foundation, Founder/past President of the Automotive Informational Council in Detroit Michigan. Dad served as board member for the following: Boy Scouts of America, Wright Tool Inc., Kurtz Brothers Inc., University Services Institute, Ritchie Foundation, The Red Cross, Loyola of the Lakes, Summa Foundation, Summa Health System, Akron Art Museum and earned Fourth Degree in Knights of Columbus. A surprise 90th birthday party was held for both Dad and Mom on August 19th. They received a ton of cards, and the Carter kids learned just how far Dad and Mom's fan base reached. Many well-wishers also expressed thanks to Dad for his years of mentorship Dad loved Mom, his family, his home and his friends. He was most proud of his wife, his family, and his career. Losing his son Ed to cancer at age 29 was the hardest thing he ever had to deal with. He was preceded in death by his son Edward Francis III and his sister Nancy Lasater. He is survived by his one-and-only, June, son Tom, daughters Susan, Janet, Kit, son-in-law Ken and daughter-in-law Sue as well as 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. You can stop working now Dad. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 11 AM at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 W Market St, Fairlawn, OH 44333. The family will greet friends one hour before Mass at the church. Entombment in Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Summa Foundation or St. Hilary Parish Foundation.