Michael “Mike” Carter

Michael “Mike” Carter, 74, of Centralia passed away Thursday, November 24, 2022, at Fireside House in Centralia. He was born on March 19, 1948, the son of Carl and Louanna (Williams) Carter in Thebes, Illinois. He married Elva McCain and they later divorced; Mike married Sue Gott, they later divorced, but always stayed close friends.

Survivors include his sister Anita Spano and husband Tony of Wimberley, Texas; special friend Sue Hohman and husband Alan of Carlyle; stepdaughter Jessica Dehn of Centralia; granddaughter LaNae; sister-in-law Linda Carter of Centralia; brother-in-law Ralph Temple of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Louanna Carter; his sister Roseanna Temple; brothers Ben Carter, Jim Carter; and loyal employers and friends Vernon and Linda Harris.

Mike was an iron worker, laborer by trade, working as an asset for Linda and Vernon Harris Apartments. He liked to listen to vintage country music singers, always saying that was when music was good. Mike enjoyed time spent casting out his fishing line in hopes of catching a mess of fish. He was a great cook who loved to feed the neighborhood, his friends, and his family his delicious fried bread and skillet meatloaf. Mike and his good friend Ed Petrea were known to make everyday a good day, sharing many adventures together over the years. Nothing brought a smile to Mike’s face quicker than when he saw or was talking about his pride and joy, his granddaughter LaNae, as he was such a proud PaPa. Mike will be deeply missed by all his family and friends, but the impact he left on their lives will never be forgotten.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 9, 2022, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Mike’s honor to the Donor’s Choice and will be accepted for the family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Mike may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. 

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