Gerald L. Carter

Gerald Leroy Carter, 73,  passed away November 14, 2012 at his home in Pueblo West Colorado.  His wife, Lenna and daughter Sharon Ann and son-in-law Edward Eckley were at his side.  Gerald Leroy Carter was born September 21, 1939 in La Junta Colorado to Willard Gerald and Dorothy B Carter.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Barbara Carter of Salem West Virginia.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Sharon Ann and Edward Eckley of Denver Colorado, son and daughter-in-law Jerry Lee and Lolene Carter of Denver Colorado, and son Terry Wayne Carter of Jackson Mississippi and three grandchildren, Justin Carter, Elizabeth Carter and Rock Carter.  Mr. Carter is also survived by his brother Guy Allen Carter of Salem West Virginia, sister and brother-in-law Carol L. and John N. Hansen, Sr of Pearcy Arkansas, and sister and brother-in-law Karen A. and Danny R. Kirschman of Pearcy Arkansas.  Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. 

Gerald, or "Leroy", as he was so well known, grew up and attended schools in La Junta. After graduating high school, he married his high school sweetheart Lenna Faye Mattics on September 28, 1961. They moved to California for a short time, returning to La Junta where he enlisted in the U.S. Army and honed his skills as a master mechanic. After his discharge from the military, Mr. Carter returned to La Junta and managed the Chevron Service Station in Las Animas Colorado. From there, he moved his family to Golden Colorado where he and Lenna raised their three children.


Leroy enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and boating.  He loved working with his hands.  His main working trade was repairing vehicles and restoring machinery, but his real joy was working with wood.  He built beautiful furniture and cabinetry but he truly loved restoring old vintage furniture to it's original beauty. 

Leroy and Lenna retired and spent the last twenty years traveling in their motor home.  They spent many winters in the desert campgrounds in Arizona, but always returned to their home in Colorado each spring..  He was never at a loss for words and never met a stranger.  Through his working years and during his retirement years, he met and made many friends.  Leroy cherished each one of the friendships that he made through the years.  Leroy will truly be missed by all of his family and friends.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Funeral service will be Monday, November 26, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel with Pastor Ron Skorick of the First Christian Church officiating. Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery.