Thomas P. Carter

Thomas P. Carter, 84, of Robinson, IL, passed away on March 28, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN, following an extended illness.

Tom was born on August 6, 1941, in Robinson, IL, to Thomas Carter and Opal (Osborn) Stevens. From a young age, Tom understood the value of hard work. He left high school early to help his mom on the family farm, taking on long days of physical labor and responsibility at a time when his family needed him most. Those early years on the farm helped shape his natural mechanical ability, as he quickly learned how to fix and maintain the machinery the family relied on each day. However, his country soon called his name, and Tom served in the United States Navy and spent much of this time in San Diego, CA.

Back home, he began a long career in skilled trades. Tom worked on the railroad switching rail cars before joining Local 157, working as a welder at nuclear power plants throughout the United States. Known for his mechanical acumen and strong hands, he was a man who could fix nearly anything. He enjoyed working on everything from houses to antique tractors, always keeping busy and helping others when something needed his expertise and aptitude. This heart of service was evident in his years-long involvement with the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250 and the Ainad Shrine, with whom he participated in parades for many years.

But his life was more than work and service. In his free time, he enjoyed dancing on the weekends, deer hunting, and watching sports of all kinds. Though he enjoyed all of these past times, Tom was most devoted to his family. He was a steady and dependable presence, a man whose door was always open. Though he could be more than straightforward, his willingness to help others never wavered. This inclination may have been born out of a faith that became an important part of Tom's life. It gave him a strong sense of purpose and guided him to be the kind of man his family could depend on. Through both the good times and the difficult seasons of life, Tom's steady trust in God helped make him the foundation of his family, offering strength, guidance, and unwavering support to those he loved most.

Though we will mourn this loss, we know we haven't really lost Tom. We know exactly where he is. With Jesus.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Clyde Carter; and his sisters, Helen Stifle and Elsie Orndorff. He is survived by his children, Eric Carter, Robert Carter, and Denise (Frank) Wells; and by his grandchildren, Jamie Weir and Chelse Hayes, as well as extended family and friends who will remember him fondly.

The family would like to express special thanks to his caregiver, end-of-life doula Michelle Staley, the doctors and staff of Good Samaritan Hospital ICU, and the doctors and staff of Crawford Memorial Hospital for the compassionate care shown to Tom.

It was Tom's wish to be cremated without public services. His remains will be laid to rest in the White Oak Cemetery at a later date. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is assisting the family at this time.