Marlene Lou McCarter

Marlene Lou (Palmer) McCarter, 91, Nevada, MO passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026 at Moore-Few Care Center. Marlene was born February 12, 1934, in rural Nevada to Edgar L. and Grace (Campbell) Palmer.

At the age of six her parents moved to Richards, MO and she attended school there until her graduation from the 8th grade. The family then moved to Nevada where she graduated from Nevada High School in 1952. Shortly after high school graduation she was married to Robert A. McCarter on November 23, 1952. They were married 61 years before his passing on November 27, 2013.

Their first son, Robert Michael McCarter was born January 31, 1954. A second son, Mark Douglas McCarter was born and passed away on the day of his birth in March 1957 and is buried in Deerfield, MO.

Marlene worked approximately 42 years as a clerk, stenographer, and secretary for the State of Missouri, as a secretary at the Vernon County Welfare Office for a short time, and the Nevada State School and Hospital until her retirement in November 1995. Marlene at times assisted her husband and son in the dry-cleaning business doing secretarial duties.

Marlene enjoyed being caretaker for members of her family when they were in need. She also enjoyed Scrabble with her best friend, Joyce Palmer, she liked cooking – especially baking pies, attending church, and spending time with her family. She was blessed to remain in her home after her husband's death. Marlene was baptized as a teenager in the First Christian Church in Richards, MO and attended the First Christian Church in Nevada.

In addition to her husband, Robert, she was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Robert A. McCarter; a brother, Edgar Eugene Palmer; and a sister, Jeanette Williams. She leaves behind her son, Mike McCarter and his wife Vickie of Nevada; a beloved granddaughter, Melody Smith and her husband, Josh of Nevada; her great-grandsons, Trenton Sanderson and Logan Smith (Claire), whom she loved and cherished, and three nieces, Arian Riordan, Elizabeth Huffman, and Gail Fleener.

Graveside committal services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Newton Burial Park in Nevada with Pastor Josh Smith officiating.

Memorials are suggested in her name to Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada c/o Ferry Funeral Home.