Anthony Michael Carter

SPC Anthony Michael Carter, age 22, of Fort Knox, KY, formerly an area resident died unexpectedly after a swimming accident on May 29, 2010, at Taylorsville Lake, in Kentucky. After an extensive search by state and local authorities and many volunteers, he was found on June 8, 2010. He was born on July 19, 1987 in Kendallville, Indiana at McCray Memorial Hospital to Shawn E. Carter and Tina K. Carter- Bailey. Anthony attended West Noble schools until his seventh grade year. He then attended and graduated from Fairfield High School in Goshen, Indiana, in 2006.

Anthony enlisted in the Indiana Army National Guard on December 1, 2005. He attended Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and graduated from Advanced Individual Training (AIT), Carpentry and Masonry Specialist, from the Naval Construction Training Center in Gulfport, Mississippi, on November 17, 2006. Shortly after completing AIT, Anthony completed the Battle Focus Training Course at Fort Leonard Wood. He served with the 1413th Engineer Detachment located at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. He also served with Detachment 8 of the 138th Regiment in South Bend, Indiana.

Anthony was mobilized to Afghanistan with the 1613th Engineer Company from LaPorte, Indiana, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 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.

Anthony's career was characterized by faithful dedication to duty. Always a true professional, Anthony 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 & friends whom he loved dearly.

Survivors include his parents: Tina K. (Robert) Bailey of Wawaka, IN & Shawn E. Carter & his fiancée Michelle Holt of New Paris, IN. A sister, Niqole Rene Carter, of Rome City, IN; paternal grandmother, Sandy L. Hartman; maternal grandparents, Barry L. and Florence E. (Betty) Thompson; great grandmothers, Barbara Lehman and Jenny Keene. Also by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, whom he considered friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, George A. Carter & grandfather, Walter E. Hartman.

A funeral service will be held in his honor on Monday, June 14, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Yeager Funeral Home in Ligonier- 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767, with Anthony’s uncle, Randy Penwell officiating. He will be laid to rest in Sparta Cemetery in Kimmell, IN with full military honors.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM and on Sunday, June 13, 2010 from 1-5 PM at Yeager Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions are to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International- 26 Broadway, 14th floor, New York, NY 10004