Herman Leroy Carter

Herman Leroy Carter of Coatesville Herman Leroy Carter, 90, of Coatesville, passed away on January 31, 2011 at Harrison Senior Living, Christiana, Pa. Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late Benny and Ethel Johnson Carter. He was also the husband of Dorothy Barton Carter of Coatesville, with whom he shared 70 years of marriage prior to his passing. He was a 1940 graduate of Coatesville Area schools where he played basketball, football and was the captain of the baseball team. He was recruited by eight professional baseball teams and played for the Philadelphia Stars in the Negro League for six weeks - the highlight being receiving a 'triple' from Satchel Page. He also played for the Coatesville City Twilight League and the Bleakman Stars. He worked for 39 years at the former Lukens Steel as chief receiver. He served as chairman of the sewer committee for Valley Township and procured a $3mil government grant for Valley Township's sewer system. He served as president of the Valley Township Civic Club and was troop leader for Boy Scouts Troup #48 sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Passtown. He was instrumental in integrating the Valley Township Schools in 1954 and received several awards: The Pathfinder Award in 1995 from NAACP Youth Council; Coatesville Hall of Fame induction in 1997; Coatesville Area High School Sports Hall of Fame induction in 2004; the Community Award of Excellence from the Black Students Union of Henderson H.S. in 2000; recognition from Boro of West Chester in 2000 and an award from the Coatesville Post Office for painting the Buffalo Solider Stamp in 1994. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Passtown where he helped install the church's back stair case, paved the church basement floor and served as Trustee. He enjoyed painting, gardening and hunting as hobbies. He also enjoyed buying and selling antiques at the Morgantown flea market and refinishing furniture - particularly woven chairs. In addition to his wife, he is survived by; five sons, Adrian, husband of Anna Carter of Lionville, Rev. Leroy Carter of Brookhaven, Wayne Carter of Coatesville and Gary husband of Ethel Carter, of Coatesville and John Carter of Baltimore, Md.; two daughters, Linda, wife of Kerry Boddy of West Grove and Jacqueline, wife of Ben Hamilton of New Castle, Del.; one sister, Doris Haley of Kennett Square; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; and host of nieces nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by two brothers, Benjamin and George Carter. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 7, at the First Baptist Church of Passtown, 117 Barber Avenue, Coatesville. Family and friends may pay their respects from 9 a.m until 11 a.m at the church on the day of services. Interment at New Evergreen Cemetery, Coatesville. Arrangements by Brickus Funeral Homes & Cremation Center, Inc. www.brickusfuneralhome.com