Bobby Carter

Bobby "Bob" Vernon Carter

August 25, 1929 – January 21, 2026

Bobby passed away peacefully at home with loved ones by his side. He will be remembered by many for his sweet, kind gentle ways and love for his family. He grew up in Cornell and Pontiac, IL. Bobby lived in Briggsville, WI., where he spent many hours on his boat dock fishing and relaxing, he also lived in Kemmerer, WY for a time and fished the streams there as well. Bobby had many tales of fun times spent on the river bank of the Vermillion River fishing and swimming, just having fun being a boy. Growing up Pop's Grandma ( Jessie Viola Calder) and Aunt Dorothy helped raise him. Pop cared for his grandma at her home until her death. As he grew into the man he was to be, he drove fast cars, worked hard at the Pontiac Chair Company. Bobby served his county in the Air Force. It was during the Korean War that he rode a big ship to Japan where he was stationed. While there when his duties were done he would play golf. After the Air Force pop worked in several different areas. He worked at the Pontiac Chair Factory, at lunch time he would go down to the local store and buy a bag of apples. He soon became known as "Bobby Appleseed". He later worked for Caterpillar Tractor Co. in Joliet and part-time for Rickman's Upholstery in Joliet, Kemmerer Wy., School District and Silver Cross Hospital. Bobby met and fell in love with Ethel "Bernie" Payne. They married on July 5, 1981 and at that time her kids became his kids. Pop was the best and we all loved him as our own dad.

Bobby is survived by his son Gary (Karen) Lance of Granger, WY, daughters Colleen (James) Porter of Rosewood, TX and Kelly (Louis) Riley of Joliet, IL. His beloved grandchildren Amanda (Mike), Gary (Chelsey), KC Lynn, Kari, Jenna, Hillarie, Jeffery (Estefania), Randy (Tammy), James Allen (Raeann), great-grandchildren Riley, Delainey, Jocelyn, Corrine, Sapphire, Harlei, Hunter, Allyson, Judson, Nathan, Alex, Zachary, Emilia, Thomas Jay, Randi, Justin, Dominic, Katrina, Crystalynn, Emily, Karlee and great-great-grandchildren Kinley, Lindi, Autumn, Octavia, Haygen-Lee, Emberly, and Emberlynn; son-in-law Joe Paul Finney and several nieces and nephews. As well as Soldier, Theo, Lulu, Henry and Winnie his favorite four legged friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Bernice "Bernie" Carter, daughter Collette Finney, infant son Henry "Hank", his beloved Grandma Jessie Viola Calder and Aunt Dorothy. His mother Mildred Carter and grandson Danny and great-granddaughter Kylee. Siblings Raymond John Carter, William Alfred Carter, Glen Harold Carter, Kenneth Richard Carter and Alice Mae Carter.

Pops loved to travel he went to California, Canada, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Texas and Michigan. He loved shrimp and strawberry's (especially grandmas fresh ones). His greatest love was his family, spending time with his kids and grandkids was the most important time for him. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson Holmquist Sayles Funeral Home. Graveside Service will be held at Briggsville Protestant Cemetery at a later date.