Robert Stephen Carter (87) loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son made his transition into the next phase of existence peacefully on February 4th, 2024, with his wife, Carmelita Patricia Rippeteau (Patti Carter), of 65 years lovingly by his side.

Born February 1st,1937 to parents John Belmont Carter and Evelyn Lenora Cook in Austin Texas, Steve Carter lived his energetic young life with his younger brother David, surrounded by many loving aunts, uncles, other extended family members, and friends.

Steve learned the sport of boxing after school at the local boys and girls club. He later became a Golden Gloves Light Heavy Weight Champion while attending the University of Texas on an ROTC scholarship. In 1959 after graduating from the University of Texas with majors in Mathematics and English, he moved to Quantico, Virginia with his new bride and sweetheart, Patti Carter where he began a three-year service commitment as a Marine Air Defense officer.

As a civilian, Steve was a pioneer in the computer programming world and helped develop the computer programs used by the Apollo Spacecraft missions. On one occasion during a spacecraft mission one of the computers caught fire. Steve quickly, yet calmly, switched the computer processes to a safe computer, allowing the mission to continue successfully.

In addition to his work as a military officer and software development for NASA, he was employed by IBM, The LDS Church, Battelle, Software AG, and King County. His expertise and reputation worldwide allowed him to consult successfully before becoming a co-founder of the software company, Database Utility Group. He retired in 2006 after a successful career which took him across the country and to numerous locations worldwide.

Steve joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while in college and remained an active and devoted member and Christian his entire life. He possessed a deep love for the church and Jesus Christ. He actively sought opportunities to serve others, especially the outcast, marginalized, and downtrodden. He was especially thankful for the numerous examples of loving, healthy families he was exposed to within the LDS faith. His family life and service to others was his greatest joy.

Steve was known to many as a man of great compassion and generosity. Throughout his life he quietly used his time and resources to help countless individuals and families through crisis and challenges. He saw people as whole beings, putting their flaws and mistakes in context of their struggles and life circumstances. In the book he authored, Judging Everyman: the trials of John Henry Brock, published in 2017 and available on Amazon, Steve incorporated his life philosophy and beliefs into the telling of the tragic events of his stepmother's grandfather.

He was passionate about genealogy work and known as a gifted teacher. He loved sailing, fishing, exercising, reading, writing, listening to Ray Stevens music, serving in his church and community, and most of all spending time with his family. He was active in local politics and served on the City Councils in Des Moines, WA. and Woodland Hills, UT.

Robert Stephen Carter is survived by his wife, Patti Carter, seven children: Karen Hamilton (Dave), Leslie Carter (Ron), Kristine Manwaring (Todd), Jerry Carter, Brenda Carter (Ross), Travis Carter (Rebecca), Chris Carter (Wendy), nineteen grandchildren,15 great-grandchildren, and brothers, David Carter (Jan) and Guy Christopher Carter.

He was preceded in death by his father John Carter, mother Evelyn Wolf, stepmother Flora Mae Carter, and infant brother, Michael.

A Memorial will be held to honor his life on March 9th, 2024, at 10:00 AM in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 724 N Pittsburgh St. Kennewick, WA 99336.