Kenneth Wade Carter

            Kenneth Wade Carter, 89, of Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

            Ken was born in Rockdale, Texas, on February 24, 1934, to E. L. and Ruthie Carter. He married Joyce Faye Garrison on February14, 1953 in Ennis, Texas. 

            Ken was the 2^nd son in a family of 8 children. He learned a lot about hard work and having a good work ethic by working alongside his family in the fields at a young age. He was a proud Army veteran, serving as a military policeman while stationed in Germany. Ken went to work at the Arlington GM plant in 1963 and retired after almost 30 years. After retirement, he and Joyce did some traveling and spent time with friends and family. One of his passions was playing music, first with his musical family, and then in church. Eventually, Ken and Joyce found their niche when he became a member of Bill Gilbert’s Swingtime in Texas Band. They began traveling to events to play music and made many lifelong friends along the way. Ken was named to several Texas Western Swing Halls of Fame, as well as one in Seattle. 

            Survivors include son, Monte and wife Susan, son, Randy and wife Jill, and daughter, Lori Carter; grandchildren: Monica Sudbury and husband John, Adam Carter and wife Melissa, Rachel Lane and husband Tim, and Caitlin Tracy and partner Dustin; great-grandchildren: Carter, Lane, Dylan, Devin, Hallie, and Frances; brothers and sisters Grace Shue, Les and Kim Carter, Zee and Peggy Carter, Nelda and Bobby Dodd, Ric and Pam Carter, and many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

            Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 61 years, Joyce Carter, brother, Lamar Carter, sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Marion Preston, and brother-in-law, Darwin Shue.