Gerald "Jerry" Duane Carter, age 82, of Bedford, IN, passed away peacefully at IU Health Bloomington Hospital on Monday, November 7, 2011 at 10:47 a.m., after a long illness from complications due to cancer.

Known to his friends as Jerry, he was born in Wheatcroft, KY on November 21, 1928, the first-born child of his parents, Henry and Virginia Carter. After graduating from Bosse High School in Evansville in 1946, Jerry served in the National Guard for nine years and was a fixture in his community as a volunteer and active member of organizations such as the Shriners, Jaycees, Elks, American Legion, and the Bedford Exchange Club. He also was a Mason and Member of the Lawrence County Patient Services. He was a Member of the First Baptist Church in Bedford, IN.

Jerry's life work was in the insurance industry, where he worked for the Indiana Insurance Company. Eventually, he joined Keach and Grove Insurance where he became an owner. His licenses included the Chartered Insurance Counselor and the acclaimed Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter for which he is the only CPCU license holder in Lawrence County.

Jerry was married twice, first to the late Helen Hitch in March of 1953, and later to the late Emma Mae Bultman of Bedford in November of 1977, who preceded him in death on April 12, 1991.

Always a lover of reading and travel, Jerry spent much of his young life reading about world history and historic faraway places, most of which he ultimately visited after his retirement. In fact, his travel literally spanned the world, including trips to all 50 United States and all seven Continents, to Egypt where he cruised the Nile and visited the Valley of the Kings, and to China where he stood on the Great Wall. He also spent time in Russia, Germany, Iceland, England, Spain, Greece, Italy, Canada, Switzerland, Mexico, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Bermuda.

Jerry is survived by his children, David L. Carter of Indianapolis, IN; Dan Carter and his wife, Sherrie Bourg Carter of Coral Springs, FL; and Sharon L. Wilson of Bloomington, IN; his stepchildren, Susan (Charlie) Wier; Lester Bultman, Jr.; Wanda Lloyd, and Mark Bultman; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother, John (Sandy) Carter of Evansville, IN; and sister, Jackie (Charles) Presson of Pensacola, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Friday, November 11, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Ferguson-Lee Funeral Home, with Pastor Kregg Burris officiating. Burial will be in Green Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, 4 – 8 p.m. and Friday, 1 – 2 p.m. at Ferguson-Lee Funeral Home. Contributions may be made to Lawrence County Patient Services in Memory of Jerry Carter.

Nov 9, 2011
Jerry was such an interesting and gracious person. A true gentleman who will be remembered and missed.
Janice Hamilton, Bedford, IN

Nov 9, 2011
Sharon, So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Teresa Kellams, Paoli, IN

Nov 9, 2011
 Sharon, I pray that you and your family will remain strong through this difficult moment.
Kenneth O. Morman, Bloomington, IN

Nov 9, 2011 David, Dan & Sharon, What wonderful memories I will always have of my uncle and growing up with you.  Know in your hearts how much your father loved you.
Love to all, Karen Wilson, Tampa, FL

Nov 9, 2011
Sharon, I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. Prayers your way. If you need anything just let me know.
Debbie Secrest, IN

Nov 10, 2011
Dan, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My condolences to you and your family.
Pat Broviak-Robinson, Indianapolis, IN

Nov 10, 2011
Dear Family, I just wanted to say what a joy it was taking care of your father. I have worked with your dad for years as a patient nurse relationship. He was always so kind and so appreciative for everything I did for him. I will truly miss him. May you be comforted in this hard time.
Tami Anderson, Bloomington, IN

Nov 11, 2011
Jerry served on the BUEA board and he was always so well prepared for meetings and took an active role in the association's projects. He was also always a gentleman and showed much kindness to the staff members and everone he contacted. He will be remembered by many people with great fondness. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family members.
Beth Snead , Bedford, IN