"Sending our deepest condolences on Neal's passing. The few years we knew him were truly a treasure. "
In loving memory of
Neal E. Carter
July 21, 1942 - July 30, 2014
NEAL CARTER
LAKE FREDERICK, Virginia - Neal Edward Carter, 72, of Lake Frederick, Virginia, formerly of Muscatine, died Wednesday, July 30, 2014, in his home surrounded by his wife and children.
Services will be held Saturday, August 2, 2014, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 230 Justes Drive, Winchester, VA 22602. Visitation will take place from 10 am - 11 am and the funeral service will immediately follow at 11am. There will be a Celebration of Life Gathering held at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home in Muscatine, Iowa, from 6 pm to 8 pm on Tuesday, August 5, 2014. A private burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Muscatine, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, please send gifts to Blue Ridge Hospice at 333 West Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601 or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777.
Neal was born July 21, 1942 in Muscatine, Iowa, the son of Donald and Ruth Carter. He was the elder of two sons. He grew up in Muscatine and pursued his Bachelor's, Master's and Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering at Iowa State University.
Neal married Susan Moody on March 6, 1965 and in 1967, they moved to Richland, Washington where Neal started his career. He worked at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation as an executive for Battelle Memorial Northwest Institute for 12 years. During this time, he and Sue also started their family to include two biological sons and two adopted Korean girls. Neal joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1968 and quickly became involved in scouting. One of the troop's accomplishments was climbing Mt. Hood. In addition to serving in many different church roles over the years, Neal served his community as a City Councilman in Richland, Washington.
In 1979, the family was transferred to Columbus, Ohio where Neal continued to work for Battelle Memorial Institute's headquarter's office. There, he ran the high level nuclear waste disposal program and later became the director of the lab. He continued his scouting during this time and he and his troop, including his son, hiked the 10-day adventure at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. In addition, Neal was a driving force in assisting a dozen young men to earn their Eagle Scout Awards.
Neal left Battelle and moved the family to Reston, Virginia in 1987 where he was a Senior Vice President for SAIC. He worked there for 10 years and finally decided to start his own business, Carter Executive Management Systems, a life-long dream realized. Neal loved work!
At the age of 54, Neal was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Despite the diagnosis, Neal enthusiastically worked on his genealogy. He and Susan visited many genealogy libraries and cemeteries on the East Coast as well as in England. This was a passion for Neal and not only did he do his own family genealogy, but he did the genealogy of many other families.
He celebrated his 49th wedding anniversary earlier this year and was able to spend quality time with his children over the past several months.
Survivors include his wife, Susan Carter of Lake Frederick, Virginia; brother, Dennis Carter of Muscatine; four children and spouses, Brian and wife, Cindi Carter of LaCanada, CA, Paul and wife, Luann Carter of Columbus, OH, Marci Carter and husband, Frank Phillips of Boyce, VA and Michelle and husband, Steven Goode of North Ogden, UT; five grandchildren, Madison and Jacob Carter, Isabel and Owen Carter and Stevie Goode.
Neal was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Ruth Carter of Muscatine, Iowa.
Tributes
"We shall miss you old friend. Neal and I were classmates from Junior High through High School. Teachers would say... "Maybe you would be smarter if you would hang out with Neal Carter more often." Actually, nobody ever said that... but it makes for a good story. After all, Neal was our High School Class of 1960 Valedictorian. I lost track of Neal after High School, but reconnected when Neal and Susan returned to Muscatine after retirement. By then, Neal had been diagnosed with Parkinson's and the evidence was showing. But, reconnecting was a joy. We were able to spend time with Sue and Neal after their return and managed to do some traveling together when he was still able. Through Neal's interest in genealogy... I learned that we were distant cousins. It seems that my grandmother and his great grandfather were siblings. From that day on, we referred to each other as "Cousin." I talked to Cousin on the telephone the Sunday before he died. He seemed peaceful, appreciative and ready. I shall remember Neal for his immense faith, his analytical mind, his logic, dry sense of humor, love for his children, and devotion to Susan. Neal Carter was an honorable man. Rest in peace my friend. John Schwandke MHS Class of 1960 "
"I was sad to learn of Neal's passing. I know you who are left behind will miss him dearly. My heart goes out to you and I pray God will comfort you. I always admired Neal because he was so smart in school and I so appreciate reading about all his accomplishments. Thank you for sharing and God bless you and keep you."
"Psalm 16:11 The last time I visited with Neal was at the 50th class reunion. It was a pleasant conversation. Sue, our condolences to you. Gary"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have known Neal since seventh grade. It is sad to hear of his passing. I know he had suffered years of poor health. Now he is no longer hurting. "
"I am very sorry for your family's loss. We are distant cousins on the Schwab family side and Neal was always so kind and helpful in our genealogy inquiries. He helped fill many empty spaces whenever I needed information."
"Though years have separated old classmate friends our hearts are with Neal's family I'm so sorry for your loss "
"Neal is someone that I looked up to my entire life. I remember him as the steady one in my circle of friends. He will surely be missed by all that knew him. My prayers and thoughts are with him and his family."