C. Richard Carter

Devout family man, dedicated educator and friend of the community, C. Richard Carter, 67, of Leesville, went on to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 18, 2009.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at Smart and Son Funeral Home in Leesville with Rev. Wallace B. Palmer officiating the ceremony. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2009, at Smart and Son Funeral Home in Leesville.
Mr. Carter passed away peacefully at his home in Leesville on Tuesday morning.
Richard was devoted to the two biggest loves of his life, his family and teaching. He was an acclaimed educator for 45 years, retiring from Leesville High School this past spring from a career that began in 1964. Mr. Carter taught countless students and multiple generations at Burkeville (Texas) High School, Simpson High School, Menard High School and Leesville High School. He was also a high school basketball official and baseball umpire for many years in West Central Louisiana and a summer volunteer at the Louisiana Lions Camp for Crippled Children for many years.
Mr. Carter also taught driver's education in Vernon Parish for over 20 years and was very involved in researching and teaching science. He graduated from Northwestern State University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and he also obtained a Master's Degree plus 30 in Education from NSU. He achieved certification in genetics research at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind.
He was a leader and former state director within the Louisiana Junior Academy of Sciences, helping 10 of his students compete on a state level.
A few of the highlights among his many accomplishments and awards include being honored as Louisiana Science Teacher of the year in 1989 and runner-up for the Presidential Science Teacher of the Year. Mr. Carter was also the voice of the Wampus Cats for many years during football season at Wampus Cat Stadium.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander Joyce Carter and Laura Blanche Perry Carter.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Latham Carter; one daughter, Laura Rose Carter of Leesville; two sons, James Richard "Rick" Carter and his wife Michelle of Vivian, and Russell H. Carter of Baton Rouge; two grandsons, Alexander James Carter of Leesville and Tyler Louis Carter of Vivian; one granddaughter, Skyla DeAnne Johnston-Carter of Vivian; two brothers, Robert Louis Carter of Oakdale and Perry Lee Carter of Forest Hill.
Honorary Pallbearers are Raymond Jones, Douglas Rudat, Morris McRae, Brian Trahan, Christian Latham, Pierce Latham, Josh Carter, James Carter, Michael Carter and Robert Carter II.
Richard Carter touched many lives during his walk in life and will be deeply missed by all.