Carter Douglas Caroom

Carter was born September 28, 1980. Maybe a preview for much of the rest of his life, Carter arrived on his own schedule; surprising his mom, and most definitely his dad who had to deliver him at home.
The youngest of three brothers, Carter learned to take care of himself early, and often extended his protection to his younger sister, Catherine. Growing up, he was a gifted athlete, participating in competitive gymnastics at the State level with Crenshaw's team, as well as football and basketball. Often one of the smaller players on the field, he competed fiercely and was often the one to sacrifice his body for the team.
Academically, Carter was gifted in both creative writing and art, and often the class or family clown. Well, loved by all of his teachers, although not appreciated by all for some of his antics, Carter attended school at Lee Elementary, Kealing Junior High, McCallum High School, and Hyde Park Baptist School. He leaves behind a legacy of friends and cherished memories at each school that he attended. Knitting his heart together with other people was his superpower.
At McCallum, a couple Marine recruiters set up a chinning bar and invited all to compete to see who could do the most chin-ups. Carter did well, winning the competition and also winning the full attention of the Marine recruiters. Ultimately, he decided to enlist in the Marines upon graduation from High School and went to Camp Pendleton for training in 1999.
During his service with the Marines, Carter first deployed to Naples, Italy as a member of a specialized rapid-response unit that provided anti-terrorism security with advanced training in marksmanship, close-quarters combat. While in Naples, Carter worked alongside Naval special operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following his return to the United States, Carter once again deployed to Kuwait where he would find himself at the tip of the spear, as one of the first units to break through from Kuwait into southern Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In late 2003, following his return from Iraq, Carter was honorably discharged from the Marines as a decorated combat veteran.
In 2004, Carter attended Texas State University and graduated in 2008 with a BA in English. While in college, Carter relished days in the class and days on the lake and greens with his many friends and his beloved wingman, Hooch, his first English mastiff.
Also, in 2004, Carter was dubbed Dude by his two-year-old nieces. Being Dude to his nieces and nephews is something that he relished and took great pride in. He loved cheering them on at all their events, traveling with them, laughing, finding the biggest rocks to climb, showering them with the most thoughtful gifts, and, generally, just being the best beloved uncle.
In 2015, God provided Carter with a 9 acre-tract of land outside of Spicewood, sold to him by a Vietnam vet that was grateful to leave his land to a fellow veteran. As Carter rehabbed the land, the land in return did the same to his soul. Suddenly the silhouette of Big Foot, elves, wizards, leprechauns, and longhorns began appearing on the property. He married Janie Martinez in 2017, and they continued to decorate the property in imaginative ways and began breeding English Mastiffs (not a small undertaking).
Carter loved the Spicewood property and his many mastiffs. He said it was the only place that he felt safe and at peace. He and Janie were active at the Cornerstone Church ATX in Spicewood. His faith grew and he was diligent about spending special time with the Lord, in Bible study and prayer every single morning.
On the morning of December 27th, Carter was involved in a head on collision with an 18-wheeler and died. He will be missed by his family and friends, but we take comfort in knowing that he is now in a better place and at peace.