LIGONIER - SPC Anthony Michael Carter, 22, of Fort Knox, Ky., and a former area resident, died unexpectedly after a swimming accident May 29, 2010, at Taylorsville Lake, Kentucky. After an extensive search by state and local authorities and many volunteers, he was found June 8, 2010.
He was born July 19, 1987, at McCray Memorial Hospital, Kendallville, to Shawn E. and Tina K. Carter.
He attended West Noble schools until seventh grade. He then attended and graduated from Fairfield High School, Goshen, in 2006.
He enlisted in the Indiana Army National Guard Dec. 1, 2005. He attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and graduated from advanced individual training, carpentry and masonry specialist, from the Naval Construction Training Center, Gulfport, Miss., Nov. 17, 2006. Shortly after completing AIT, he completed the battle focus training course at Fort Leonard Wood. He served with the 1413th Engineer Detachment located at Camp Atterbury. He also served with Detachment 8 of the 138th Regiment, South Bend.
He was mobilized to Afghanistan with the 1613th Engineer Co. from LaPorte, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom March 4, 2009. He served with the 1613th until the end of November 2009, after which he was stationed at Fort Knox, Ky. His awards include National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
His career was characterized by faithful dedication to duty. Always a true professional, he will be missed and mourned by all whose lives he touched. All who know him knew he was excited about becoming a soldier, and loved being one. He attended Ligonier Church of Christ and more than anything, was devoted to his family and friends whom he loved dearly.
Surviving are his parents, Tina K. (and spouse Robert) Bailey, Wawaka, and Shawn E. Carter (and fiancee Michelle Holt) New Paris; a sister, Niqole Rene Carter, Rome City; paternal grandmother, Sandy L. Hartman; maternal grandparents, Barry L. and Florence E. "Betty" Thompson; great-grandmothers, Barbara Lehman and Jenny Keene; and many aunts, uncles and cousins, whom he considered friends. He was preceded in death by two grandfathers, George A. Carter and Walter E. Hartman.
Service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Yeager Funeral Home in Ligonier, 1589 Lincolnway S., Ligonier, with Anthony's uncle, Randy Penwell officiating. Burial will be in Sparta Cemetery, Kimmell, with full military honors.
Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
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Memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004.
Condolences may be sent via www.yeagerfuneralhome.com
