John Byron Carter, 75 of Savannah, passed away Sunday, April 9th, 2023, at his home in Savannah. He was born May 19th, 1947, to Lloyd Velmont Carter and Edith Ruth (Schaeffer)Carter. John married Diann Lynn (Rainez) Carter in St. Joseph, MO on August 23, 1969. John and Diann were married for 41 years at the time of her death in 2010.
John grew up in Rosendale, MO on his family’s farm and was the second to the youngest of 9 children. He had 1 sister and 8 brothers. John was drafted to the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War where he was in the 1st Armored Division “Old Ironsides.” He was a tank commander and then became a tank instructor. After completing his obligation to the Army, he married Diann, and they moved to Southern California, following several of his brothers who had already moved to California. John spent most of his working career in the sandblasting business. There were periods when John was in business with his brothers, but also times as an independent contractor. In the mid-1980s, John interrupted his sandblasting work and gave a go at owning and running a bar. He moved back to Missouri with his wife and son and took over the Desiree Lounge in St. Joseph, Missouri. After a few years and a few too many struggles, California and sandblasting called him back. The family moved back to California where John lived for another 25 years. After Diann’s death and John’s retirement, John moved one last time back to Savannah, Missouri.
In his younger years, you might have heard John described as someone who could be serious and stubborn, but at his core, he was a sweetheart. John loved his family and friends, and he would help others whenever he could. Family meant everything to him. The quickest way to his softer side was his grandchildren, Ashley and John. John enjoyed social gatherings with family and friends, and also the comradery and companionship at the VFW Post in Amazonia, Missouri.
Survivors include his son John (Heidi) B. Carter II of Marysville WA; Two grandchildren, Ashley Carter and John R Carter; his girlfriend Wanda Justus, and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. In addition to his beloved wife Diann, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter Brianna Lynn Carter, parents Lloyd and Edith Carter, sister Alice Heavilin, and his eight brothers Jack Carter, William Carter, Silas Carter, George Carter, Frank Carter, Patrick Carter, Mack Carter, and Fay Reno Carter.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, April 22nd, 2023, at Breit-Hawkins Funeral Home in Savannah MO. Inurnment will be at Bennett Lane Cemetery, Savannah, MO at a later date.
