Russell Allen "Bud" Carter Obituary (1936 - 2011)

Russell Allen "Bud" Carter, 75, of rural Oconee, died Friday, May 6, 2011 in his residence. He was born January 8, 1936 in a cabin, rural Ramsey, IL on Dean's Hills, the son of Orville Daniel Dorothy Faye Jackson Carter. Bud was a graduate of Ramsey High School Class of 1953. He attended one year at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston where he played basketball. The highlight for him was to jump center against Johnny "Red" Kerr. Bud served in the US Army, 101st Screaming Eagles Airborne Reconnaissance during the Korean War. He was #1 in marksmanship for four consecutive years at Ft. Campbell. He was on the all-military track team where he finished top 10 in the 100-yard dash and the high hurdles. Bud loved fishing and woodworking, and was a member of Pana Elks Lodge. He was employed by Caterpillar from 1964 until his retirement in 1994. Bud married Noreen Kirby and they later divorced. He later married Bonnie Schafle Downs on October 19, 1990 in Pana. He is survived by his wife: Bonnie Carter, Oconee, IL; children: Rebecca Carter fianc Scott Beeson, Pana, IL; Kathy Frodge husband Barry, Battle Creek, MI; Gregory Allen Carter, Oconee, IL; former wife: Noreen Epley in Arkansas; step children: Anita Hrabak, Pana, IL; Matthew Downs wife Holly, North Carolina; Jason Downs, California; 2 grandchildren: Carter Frodge Kirby Frodge; 8 step grandchildren; and brother: Billy Carter wife Barbara, Ramsey, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents niece, Lucinda Carter. Funeral Information Graveside services will be held on Monday, May 9, 2011 in Oconee Mound Cemetery at 7:00 a.m. with graveside military rites by Pana Veterans Honor Guard. Friends may call on Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home.