Stephen Rich Carter

Stephen Rich Carter, of Wildwood, Missouri, passed away on February 19, 2025, at the age of 76, surrounded by family.

Devoted husband for 31 years of Jeanette Carter (née Grimmer), beloved father of Rebecca (Timothy) McCarthy, Kimberly (Craig) Hinshaw, stepfather of Matthew Miller, dear brother of David (Mary) Carter and Jane Carter, treasured grandfather of Miles and Finnegan McCarthy and Harley Hinshaw, and cherished uncle, cousin, in-law and friend to many. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Barbara Carter (née Rich) and his son, Brian Carter. 
 
Stephen was born on January 10th, 1949, in Galesburg, Illinois. In high school he was a member of his school football team and captain of his wrestling team. He was a proud alumnus of University of Illinois, where he graduated with a degree in marine biology, and was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. Though he grew up in Illinois, he eventually moved to St. Louis, Missouri where he spent much of his career working in environmental science, managing environmental engineering offices around the country and lending his expertise to the cleanup efforts of natural disasters in the United States and abroad. Not only did he devote his professional life to the environment, but nature was a large part of his personal life as well. In his youth he was a Boy Scout, and later a Scout leader, and his love of the outdoors continued throughout his life. Stephen loved a good road trip (often only partially planned) or scenic drive in their convertible, and if there was a beautiful view to take in, he’d always stop to enjoy it.  He especially loved sitting on the deck of his lakefront condo, where he and Jeanette spent much of their free time.
 
Stephen was also a man of many hobbies and excelled in so many areas. He had a true gift for working with wood and could often be found sitting outside on a beautiful day carving a piece of driftwood. He could also build just about anything he put his mind to, ranging from furniture to built-in cabinets. As a lifelong lover of antiques, Stephen also enjoyed refinishing various unique pieces he and Jeanette came across in their many visits to antique shops. Stephen also loved photography, scuba diving and bird watching.  
 
But above all things, he had the kindest heart and was always finding ways to show his loved ones how much he cared. If there was a way for him to help someone, he would. He loved buying gifts, and making people laugh and smile (especially with a good pun). He also loved teaching and sharing his knowledge with others. Be it a “word of the day” or passing along one of his many skills to an eager learner, he loved to share what he knew with those around him. But most of all he loved spending time with his family. He never missed an opportunity to take a trip, go for a drive together, enjoy a St. Louis Cardinals game, share a meal, attend one of his grandsons’ hockey games, create a memory, or even just sit together for a good conversation. He will be remembered most for his generous nature and warm smile and will be truly missed by all those fortunate enough to have known him.    
 
Services: Visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Saturday, March 8th from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.